Mokpo City Distributes COVID-19 Self-Test Kits to Workers at Vulnerable Facilities

Payment for Long-term Care Facilities, Seafarers, Entertainment Venues Subject to Biweekly Diagnostic Testing

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jeong Seunghyun] Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do announced on the 21st that it will distribute COVID-19 self-test kits to workers in vulnerable facilities.

The city plans to distribute self-test kits to nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, seafarers, entertainment facilities, and workplaces employing foreigners, where diagnostic tests must be conducted twice a week (once PCR, once self-test kit).

As Omicron virus infections are rapidly increasing, workers in vulnerable facilities are required by the Jeollanam-do administrative order to expand proactive testing from once a week to twice a week (once PCR, once rapid test kit) until February 6.

If the self-test kit shows a positive result, a PCR test must be taken, and even if negative, a PCR test is required if symptoms are present.

The city is also making every effort for proactive testing through the operation of mobile screening clinics. From the 17th to the 20th, 6,565 people were tested, including 1,924 samples collected on the 20th at construction sites, Daeyang Industrial Complex, Sapjin Industrial Complex, and traditional markets, discovering 29 hidden confirmed cases.

Going forward, the city plans to operate mobile screening clinics visiting traditional markets and Bukhang Fishery Center.

Meanwhile, with 64 confirmed cases reported on the 20th, the total number of confirmed cases in Mokpo City has increased to 1,505.

Looking at the 858 confirmed cases that have occurred this year (as of the 19th), 407 (47.4%) are male and 450 (52.6%) are female. Breakthrough infections (those vaccinated twice or more) account for 611 cases (71.2%).