Suspected COVID-19 Patient Diagnosed at Local Clinic Undergoes Rapid Test at Screening Clinic

Seoul City to Conduct Immediate Testing at Public Health Centers for 'Simple Diagnostic Test Request Forms' Issued by Private Sector

On the 13th, citizens are waiting to get tested at the COVID-19 screening clinic set up at the Gangnam-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] A system will be established to allow patients who visit local clinics with fever or respiratory symptoms and are suspected of having COVID-19 to quickly receive testing at public health center screening clinics.

On the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will introduce a 'Simple Referral System for Diagnostic Testing' to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. When a primary medical institution treats a patient with fever (37.5℃ or higher) or respiratory symptoms and issues a 'Simple Referral Form for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing' for suspected cases, the patient can receive testing immediately at a public health center screening clinic without undergoing additional medical procedures.

This is an innovative public-private cooperative 'fever surveillance system' aimed at early detection of COVID-19 patients and blocking community transmission, reducing hospital infection risk factors and strengthening the quarantine network. It shortens the previous process and time where suspected COVID-19 cases had to be re-examined and tested at public health centers, enabling faster containment of infection spread.

To ensure smooth implementation of the fever surveillance system, the city requested active cooperation from primary medical institutions and the Seoul Medical Association, where many patients with fever and respiratory symptoms visit.

Additionally, the 25 district public health center screening clinics in Seoul will promptly conduct COVID-19 diagnostic tests for patients presenting the simple referral form and notify the patients of their test results.

Park Yu-mi, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Health Bureau, stated, "With the introduction and operation of this fever surveillance system, patients with fever or respiratory symptoms will be able to receive COVID-19 testing quickly and conveniently at public health centers after visiting local clinics, and it is expected to greatly contribute to creating a safe treatment environment in primary medical institutions."