As the COVID-19 diagnostic test system shifts from the existing PCR-centric to the rapid antigen test, the price of self-diagnostic kits has skyrocketed, raising concerns about a second mask crisis.
As many people start to purchase self-diagnosis kits, sold-out cases are continuing not only in pharmacies but also in online shopping malls.
As demand increased, so did the price.
The price of self-diagnostic kits before the conversion of the COVID-19 diagnostic test system was about 9,000 won based on the retail price, and some places sold them at 3,000 won online. It is said that the price has soared.
Some say it is reminiscent of the mask riots of the past.
The government is known to have reached an agreement with the manufacturer to lower the price of the kit to 7,000 won per kit and increase the supply when there were signs of a self-diagnosis kit crisis.