The Pandemic is not over! Free COVID-19 tests available nationwide

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today that free COVID-19 rapid screening tests will be available at pharmacies nationwide, and you don’t even have to show a health insurance card or ID to get the test kits.

The CDC said that while the COVID-19 pandemic has passed its peak, there were still 195 new cases last week. and 15 deaths.

CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said that the World Health Organization (WHO) and US Centers for Disease Control recommend continuous monitoring and providing vaccines and screening to reduce risks. If people have symptoms of respiratory illness they can use COVID-19 rapid screening tests at home and then seek appropriate medical treatment.

The tests will be available starting today, May 6, although some of the 4,500 pharmacies involved in the nationwide rollout will not have the tests available until May 8. Members of the public don’t need to show ID, and the maximum number of tests in principle will be limited to one box per person. There are three brands available and the minimum number of tests per box is four.

The CDC said the rollout was made in order to effectively use the COVID-19 tests, maximize the effectiveness of stocked epidemic prevention materials, and protect vulnerable groups with early detection and timely access to appropriate medical care. A total of 10 million tests will be distributed.

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