As the domestic pandemic of Omicron mutation begins in earnest, the COVID-19 diagnostic test system will be drastically changed with a focus on high-risk groups and the participation of local hospitals.



Since the existing diagnostic testing system has limitations in handling all the rapidly increasing number of confirmed cases, we are trying to focus our response capabilities on quickly finding patients and minimizing damage, focusing on high-risk groups.



Accordingly, from the 29th, rapid antigen testing will be available at 256 screening clinics across the country.



From the 3rd of next month, after the Lunar New Year holiday, local hospitals across the country will also participate in the diagnosis and testing of COVID-19.



Son Young-rae, head of the social strategy division of the Central Accident Resolving Headquarters, said at a briefing today (26th) at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, "Now, the conversion of the diagnostic testing system and epidemiological investigation system centered on severe patients and high-risk groups with the participation of local hospitals and clinics is starting." said.



Starting today, the new diagnostic test system is being implemented in four regions: Gwangju, Jeonnam, Pyeongtaek, and Anseong.



In these areas, only high-risk groups, such as those aged 60 or older, can undergo gene amplification (PCR) tests at public health centers, screening clinics, and temporary screening centers.



For other tests, applicants can undergo PCR testing only after they have first undergone rapid antigen testing at screening clinics or hospitals or clinics designated as respiratory clinics, and then test positive.




From the 3rd of next month, this new diagnostic test system will be implemented in all regions of the country except for these four regions.



Prior to the nationwide expansion, the government decided to provide rapid antigen test kits at 256 screening clinics nationwide from the 29th.



Director Sohn said, "For people who want to do a rapid antigen test first instead of a PCR test, the screening clinic provides a rapid antigen test kit free of charge. , so you can check it right away,” he explained.



Therefore, you can receive PCR test at screening clinics across the country by the 2nd of the next month before the complete system change is made, and you can check the results quickly with the Rapid Antigen Test Kit.



From the 3rd of next month, local hospitals and clinics across the country will also participate in this examination system in the form of respiratory clinics.



Currently, there are a total of 431 respiratory clinics nationwide.



Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom at today's major headquarters meeting said, "If corona diagnosis, examination, and treatment are carried out together at nearby hospitals and clinics, we will be able to respond more quickly and efficiently to Omicron." It will be able to reduce the administrative burden even more,” he said.



The participation of local hospitals is currently in the stage of receiving applications and designating them with the cooperation of medical groups.



The government is discussing various models in which the medical community and local hospitals participate in the diagnostic test system.Details will be announced on the 28th.



(Photo = Yonhap News)