Korean gov't ensures supply of 7.5 mn units of at-home Covid test kits daily

Humasis and SD Biosensor Covid-19 self-test kits. [Photo by each company]

The South Korean government will ensure daily supply of 7.5 million rapid antigen test or self-test kits as part of its new virus response system to stop the fast spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant that has become the major variant in the country.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said on Thursday that it has signed agreements with three domestic rapid antigen test makers to ensure stable supply as the number of daily coronavirus infections climb to new records every day. Under the agreements, the country will be able to supply 7.5 million at-home Covid test kits daily.

This is part of the country’s new virus response system which will take effect on Jan. 29 ahead of the country’s biggest national holiday Lunar New Year holiday next week. Korea reported 16,096 new Covid-19 infections on Friday, another record high daily cases, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Under the government’s new testing protocol as a measure to respond to fast-spreading Omicron, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests will be freely offered only to high-risk groups, including people over 60 years of age. Others can undergo PCR tests only when they test positive through at-home rapid tests.

The three test kit makers – SD Biosensor, Humasis and Rapigen – plan to expand their supply volume. Their combined daily output currently stands at 7.5 million units which include those for overseas shipment.

The ministry said its test kit task force is working to stabilize the supply of diagnostic reagents and tests in close cooperation with the industry.

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