Free Rapid Antigen Tests at Public Health Centers Suspended from Tomorrow... PCR Tests Only for Elderly

by Jo Inkyung

Published 10 Apr.2022 14:13(KST)

On the 10th, citizens waiting to receive PCR tests at a temporary screening clinic set up in Seoul Station Plaza, where the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases continues to decline. The government announced that rapid antigen testing, which had been conducted at public health centers and screening clinics, will be discontinued starting from the 11th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Free COVID-19 rapid antigen testing, which was provided to those who wished at public health center screening clinics and temporary screening testing sites, will be discontinued starting from the 11th.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 10th, "COVID-19 diagnostic testing at public health centers will transition to a private-sector-centered testing system considering the decreasing trend in confirmed cases and the expansion of local clinics and hospitals capable of testing."

Accordingly, from the 11th, only polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests will be conducted at screening clinics and temporary screening testing sites.

PCR tests will be available to priority groups such as seniors aged 60 and above, individuals with a doctor's note indicating the need for testing, epidemiologically related persons such as close contacts, and those who tested positive on rapid antigen tests.

Citizens who wish to take rapid antigen tests due to suspected symptoms can purchase self-test kits for testing or visit local clinics and hospitals that conduct diagnostic tests (respiratory designated medical institutions) or respiratory specialized clinics.

At clinics and hospitals, doctors will perform tests using professional kits. Users are responsible for 30% of the consultation fee (5,000 KRW for clinics). If the professional kit test is positive, it is immediately recognized as a confirmed COVID-19 case.

The list of medical institutions capable of conducting rapid antigen tests can be checked on the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service or the COVID-19 website.

The health authorities plan to prioritize distributing self-test kits within the limits held by local governments to vulnerable groups who feel burdened by the cost of purchasing self-test kits or clinic consultation fees.