Seoul City "Delta Variant Confirmed in 2 out of 8 Cases from Own Testing"

On the 4th, 1,725 new COVID-19 cases were reported, returning to the 1,700 range after five days. Citizens visiting the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza are waiting to be tested. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it has confirmed two positive cases from self-testing for the Delta variant, which became available starting from the 2nd.

On the 4th, Park Yumi, the Seoul City Quarantine Controller, explained in an online briefing, "The Seoul Institute of Health and Environment has been conducting Delta variant tests since the 2nd," adding, "Out of eight tests conducted, two positive cases of the Delta variant were confirmed."

Until now, Delta variant testing was only possible at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, making rapid response difficult at the local government level. However, since the 2nd, self-testing has become available in each city and province.

Controller Park stated, "Results from confirmed cases tested by general private diagnostic companies, excluding the Institute of Health and Environment, are managed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency," and added, "We will consult with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and disclose the relevant test results later."