Well being authorities had beforehand been reluctant to develop using speedy antigen exams and different types of quick testing, which may produce outcomes inside half-hour however are much less correct than customary laboratory exams.
Nevertheless, Kwon mentioned the nation might have extra instruments because it has struggles to gradual the unfold of the virus following a devastating winter surge, with round 300 to 500 new instances nonetheless being reported day by day.
He mentioned that real-time PCR exams, which contain well being professionals administrating nasal and throat swabs and lab machines genetically analyzing the samples, would stay the nation’s gold customary even when officers approve speedy exams for public use.
South Korean officers additionally mentioned Thursday that the nation will subject a smartphone app this month that verifies an individual has been vaccinated. Whereas Prime Minister Chung Se-kyun raised the likelihood that the app might be used as a vaccine passport, Korea Illness Management and Prevention Company officers mentioned international locations would first must agree on a global customary for screening travellers for vaccination.