Entry to All Multi-use Facilities with Self-test Kits?…Authorities Say "Not Advisable"

"Severe COVID-19 Outbreak Situation... Self-Diagnostic Kits Are Only Auxiliary Tools"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] On the 13th, the government stated that it is "difficult to make a judgment at this time" regarding the plan to ease quarantine measures in multi-use facilities based on the use of COVID-19 self-test kits. The original purpose of the self-test kits is to identify confirmed cases in high-risk places such as nursing homes and dormitories, so they are not currently considered for the purpose of entry into multi-use facilities.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at the regular COVID-19 briefing that "Considering the current severe patient outbreak situation and the precarious situation maintained by the dedication of medical personnel and the sacrifices of various stakeholders, as well as the social efforts involved, it is difficult to decide to ease quarantine measures in multi-use facilities such as entertainment establishments based on the use of self-test kits." He added, "The quarantine authorities are reviewing ways to use the kits in areas where the test subjects are fixed, periodic testing is possible, and follow-up management can be conducted based on test results, including nursing facilities and facilities for the disabled," and "We will actively review the proposal suggested by Seoul City through consultation."

According to the authorities, the biggest feature of the self-test kits is that the test subject collects the specimen themselves, reducing the complicated specimen collection process and making testing easier. After specimen collection, there are antigen tests and PCR tests; antigen tests do not require machines, so they are more commonly used for rapid and self-testing. Therefore, while rapid antigen tests used at screening clinics and self-test kits are not exactly the same concept, rapid antigen tests are often adopted in self-test kits.

The authorities repeatedly emphasized that self-test kits are only supplementary tools. Lee said, "(Self-test kits) are intended to conduct tests in places where proactive testing is needed to first identify people who are likely to be positive," and explained, "Since it is an auxiliary method to support medical care, it is not currently considered for the purpose of entry into multi-use facilities."

Despite the advantage of rapidity, the main reason the authorities hesitate to actively introduce self-test kits is that accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Lee stated, "Due to the principle of antigen tests and the limitations of self-testing, accuracy cannot be highly guaranteed," and added, "Therefore, easing entry restrictions to multi-use facilities based on self-test kits is not desirable at this time."

However, the authorities maintain that even if a positive result is obtained from a self-test kit, a PCR test must be conducted. Self-quarantine is also required until the PCR test result is confirmed. Lee explained, "Self-testing allows individuals to know their results first by conducting the test themselves," and "Some countries overseas have introduced this system, where individuals actively cooperate with the government by self-reporting. Our country also plans to encourage personal reporting first."

He continued, "We are fully aware of the potential side effects of individuals not properly reporting positive results and continuing their activities," and added, "We will develop specific supplementary measures on how to apply guidelines in this regard."