Free PCR Tests for Military Enlistees Starting on the 16th... "Included in Priority Testing for Enlistees"

Increased Demand for Testing, Public Health Center PCR Testing 'Same-Day Reservation Function' Established
Three-Week 'Intensive Quarantine Inspection Period' Operated Before and After School Opening... Test Kits Provided for Symptomatic Individuals
Lee Sang-min, 2nd Deputy Head of Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, "Re-spread Trend Continues but Rate of Confirmed Cases Increase Slightly Decreases"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government will include conscripts entering military training centers in the priority group for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to prevent COVID-19 cluster infections. This will be implemented starting with conscripts entering on the 16th, who can receive free testing at public health centers nationwide within three days before enlistment. Additionally, to ensure stable academic operations ahead of the second semester, the government has designated the one week before and two weeks after the semester start as an 'Intensive Quarantine Inspection Period.'

On the 5th, Lee, Second Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, announced this during his opening remarks at the CDSCH meeting. The average daily number of new confirmed cases over the past week was about 90,000, an increase of approximately 1.2 times compared to the previous week. However, the infection reproduction number is 1.29, having declined for two consecutive weeks, suggesting that the rate of increase in confirmed cases is expected to slow somewhat.

Lee stated, "While the spread of the resurgence continues amid the ongoing peak vacation season, the rate of increase in confirmed cases is somewhat decreasing. We will maintain the daily recovery stance while minimizing severe cases and deaths, and continue to strengthen quarantine and medical response capabilities in preparation for a rise in confirmed cases after the vacation season." Currently, the overall hospital bed occupancy rate stands at 43.0%, and the intensive care unit bed occupancy rate is maintained at 32.7%.

First, to prevent cluster infections in military training centers, the government has included conscripts in the priority group for PCR testing. Starting with those enlisting on the 16th, free testing will be available at public health centers nationwide within three days before enlistment. Furthermore, to alleviate public inconvenience caused by increased testing demand, a same-day reservation function for PCR testing at public health centers has been established. This reservation function will initially be implemented at seven screening clinics nationwide, including two in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Jung-gu in Ulsan, Cheonan-si in Chungnam, and Yangsan-si in Gyeongnam, with plans to expand based on testing demand and local government conditions.

Lee said, "By including conscripts in the priority group for PCR testing, they will be able to receive free testing at public health centers within three days before enlistment. PCR testing reservations can be completed by accessing the COVID-19 information management system via text messages or apps provided by public health centers, selecting a time slot, and filling out an electronic questionnaire."

Additionally, ahead of the second semester, the government will operate a 'Intensive Quarantine Inspection Period' for three weeks around the semester start and provide test kits to symptomatic individuals, as well as support quarantine supplies such as masks. Lee explained, "We will operate the 'Intensive Quarantine Inspection Period' for a total of three weeks: one week before and two weeks after the semester start. We will maintain a thorough school quarantine system by providing test kits to symptomatic individuals, deploying 60,000 dedicated quarantine personnel, and supplying masks, hand sanitizers, and other quarantine materials."

Meanwhile, the government will continue quarantine inspections focused on public service facilities in the information and communication sector, such as postal logistics centers and mobile carrier call centers. It plans to regularly check each institution's prevention and response systems and compliance with indoor facility quarantine rules, as well as strengthen institutional self-inspections through checklists.

Lee emphasized, "There is a possibility that the spread will increase again after the vacation season with high mobility, so we cannot let our guard down regarding quarantine. I ask the public to continue to participate and cooperate by adhering to basic quarantine rules such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing indoor masks during the vacation period."