Operation of 84 Selective Testing Sites Nationwide During Chuseok Holiday... Prescription of Oral Therapeutics in Emergency Rooms

Temporary Permission for Oral Treatment Prescriptions at All Emergency Rooms and Public Health Centers
Free PCR Testing for Everyone at 9 Rest Area Temporary Screening Sites
Active Holiday Interactions and Caution for Infectious Diseases Due to Typhoon Flood Damage

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] During the Chuseok holiday period, 84 temporary screening clinics nationwide, including rest areas on 9 expressways, will be in operation. Oral antiviral treatments will be temporarily available for prescription at emergency rooms and public health centers.

On the 8th, Baek Kyung-ran, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), announced, "During the holiday period, you can get tested for COVID-19 at screening clinics, temporary screening clinics, and respiratory patient treatment centers."

Temporary screening clinics, which had suspended operations due to Typhoon Hinnamnor, have resumed, with 70 testing sites nationwide operating during the holiday. At temporary screening clinics located at Anseong, Icheon, Yongin, Hwaseong, Seomjingang, Baekyangsa, Boseong Green Tea, Hampyeong Cheonji, and Tongdosa rest areas, anyone can receive free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

Additionally, the Central Disease Control Headquarters has allowed temporary prescription of oral antiviral treatments at emergency rooms and public health centers to actively promote their use during the Chuseok holiday. Accordingly, all emergency room inpatients and outpatients can be prescribed oral antiviral treatments. Director Baek added, "However, to prevent overcrowding in emergency rooms, please prioritize visiting nearby one-stop medical institutions."

Pharmacies on duty for oral antiviral treatments will also operate during the holiday, with 500 to 1,000 locations per day. The lists can be checked on local government websites, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website, and the emergency medical portal.

Vaccinations will proceed regardless of whether appointments were made or if it is a walk-in. Currently, about 2,000 people have vaccination appointments during the holiday period and can receive their shots at the scheduled institutions. Those wishing to get vaccinated on the day can search for "leftover vaccines" on portal sites and get vaccinated accordingly.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters also provided guidelines for infectious disease response during the Chuseok holiday. Director Baek stated, "In areas affected by flooding due to the typhoon, waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases may occur through contaminated water," urging people to follow infection prevention measures such as handwashing and heating food and drinking water. He also explained that epidemic eye diseases such as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, as well as skin diseases, require caution in flood-contaminated areas.

Furthermore, the Central Disease Control Headquarters requested caution as the risk of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases increases with increased family and acquaintance gatherings during hometown visits. In particular, salmonella infections caused by consuming contaminated eggs and meat have increased by 19.7% this year compared to the past five years, necessitating careful attention.

Director Baek said, "Although it is a joyful holiday, large-scale movement and gatherings of people may have somewhat negative effects on the improving COVID-19 situation," and added, "Just as we are overcoming the summer resurgence by working together, please actively participate in following quarantine rules that protect and consider high-risk groups for a safe and enjoyable Chuseok holiday."

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