A new Corona 19 diagnostic test system that conducts PCR (gene amplification) tests mainly for high-risk groups such as those over 60 years old will be operated centered on screening clinics from tomorrow (29th).
The time when all domestic COVID-19 testing institutions will operate a new system that responds to Omicron mutation is the 3rd of next month, right after the Lunar New Year holiday.
According to the Central Defense Countermeasures Headquarters today, COVID-19 screening clinics (256) installed in public health centers and large hospitals across the country will conduct PCR tests and rapid antigen tests in parallel from tomorrow.
Visitors to screening clinics can choose the PCR test, which is very accurate but takes at least half a day to get the results, or the rapid antigen test, which is less accurate but can check the results in minutes.
For 5 days until the 2nd of next month, two tests will be conducted and practiced, and from the 3rd, some hospitals and clinics participating in Corona 19 treatment, such as temporary screening centers (204 places) and respiratory clinics nationwide, as well as screening clinics Join the new inspection system.
In the new system, PCR test is performed ▲ People aged 60 years or older ▲ Persons who have received a doctor's note that the test is necessary ▲ Epidemiological related persons (close contacts, overseas entrants, inspectors before release) ▲ Persons related to vulnerable facilities (nursing facility workers, foreigner protection facilities) -Child protection institutions-Persons who are in correctional facilities, soldiers returning from vacation, patients before hospitalization) ▲ Those who have confirmed positive for rapid antigen test will be tested first.
The general public can take the PCR test only if the rapid antigen test is first and the result is 'positive'.
This is a measure to intensively use PCR test capabilities in high-risk groups with a high probability of severe severe disease and death.
Those who are subject to PCR can receive a PCR test immediately by going to the screening clinic with their ID, proof of employment, text that designates the test subject, doctor's note, and vacation certificate, etc.
If you are not the first to receive COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, etc., you can take a rapid antigen test (for experts) with a doctor at a medical institution designated as a respiratory clinic.
The examination fee is free, but you will have to pay a doctor's fee of 5,000 won.
If this test is 'positive' or if a doctor's opinion that a COVID-19 test is necessary, you can go to a screening clinic and get a PCR test.
In addition, those wishing to be tested can undergo rapid antigen testing (for individuals) at a screening clinic or temporary screening laboratory.
In principle, the test kit received at the clinic or test center should be used on site, but if the waiting line is long, you can go home and use it.
However, only one is provided per person, and you cannot get extra kits for your family, etc.
From tomorrow, the results of the rapid antigen test (for individuals) conducted at the screening clinic can also be used as a quarantine pass.
Anseong, Pyeongtaek, Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, where Omicron mutations spread rapidly, have been preemptively implementing the Omicron response test system since the 26th.
Due to the influence of Omicron, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Korea is breaking a new record every day.
In one week from the 21st, the number of new confirmed cases increased rapidly from 6,767 → 7,7 → 7,628 → 7,512 → 8,570 → 13,10 → 14,518 showed
As of 9 pm yesterday, there were 11,804 new confirmed cases nationwide.
As of 00:00 today, the number of new confirmed cases is expected to be around 14,000, and it is expected to record 10,000 for three days in a row.
The medical community predicts that the number of new infections will continue to increase over the next 5 to 8 weeks, with up to 100,000 new infections per day.