From the 11th, Rapid Antigen Testing at Screening Clinics Suspended... PCR Testing for Elderly Maintained

Expansion of Local Clinics and Hospitals for Testing
Free Distribution of Self-Test Kits to Low-Income Groups

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Rapid antigen testing, which has been free of charge at screening clinics and temporary screening testing sites nationwide, will be discontinued starting from the 11th.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 1st, from the 11th, personal rapid antigen tests that were available for free at public health center screening clinics will be discontinued and the testing system will shift to a private sector-centered model. This measure reflects the decrease in domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases and the increase in the number of local clinics and hospitals conducting expert rapid antigen tests.

At screening clinics, only positive or negative results can be provided after testing, but local clinics and hospitals can notify confirmed cases through rapid antigen tests and link patients to diagnosis and treatment. As of the 31st of last month, there are 9,689 respiratory designated medical institutions conducting rapid antigen tests nationwide, and 471 respiratory specialized clinics.

From the 11th, only polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests will be conducted at public health center screening clinics and temporary screening testing sites for priority groups. Priority groups include ▲elderly aged 60 and above ▲close contacts ▲those who test positive on rapid antigen tests, as well as workers at infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters explained, "Priority groups for testing can continue to receive PCR tests at public health centers, and other citizens wishing to be tested can visit respiratory specialized clinics and respiratory designated medical institutions to get tested."

For vulnerable groups who cannot afford the cost of rapid antigen tests at medical institutions (5,000 KRW) or the purchase cost of self-test kits (6,000 KRW), public health centers will distribute self-test kits free of charge.

Kim Hyun, head of the Diagnostic Testing Operations Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said, "The support targets include basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income groups, and facilities for the elderly living alone," adding, "We plan to implement this immediately starting from the 11th."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.