Hapcheon County Provides Real-Time Information on Oral COVID-19 Treatments

Real-time Information Available on Public Health Center Website

Hapcheon County in Gyeongnam is providing guidance on oral COVID-19 treatment prescription and dispensing institutions, as well as managing the supply status of treatments in real time, to ensure that local residents experience no inconvenience in receiving COVID-19 care as the summer outbreak continues.

The county has designated and is operating 15 institutions for prescribing oral treatments and 11 institutions for dispensing them. With a surge in COVID-19 cases since August, the number of people receiving prescriptions for treatments has also increased significantly. The number of confirmed cases rose from 68 in July to 447 as of August 20, and the number of people prescribed treatments increased from 27 in July to 160 in August.

The eligibility for oral COVID-19 treatments includes patients who test positive by PCR or expert rapid antigen test (RAT) and meet certain criteria, such as being 60 years or older, immunocompromised individuals aged 12 or older, or adults 18 and older with underlying health conditions. Prescriptions can be obtained at designated medical institutions within five days of symptom onset if these conditions are met.

Underlying health conditions include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher, neurodevelopmental disorders, or mental illness.

As of May 1, 2024, free support for COVID-19 treatments has ended, and National Health Insurance subscribers are required to pay a copayment of 50,000 KRW. However, recipients of medical benefits and those eligible for reduced copayments still receive free support. In addition, COVID-19 test fees are covered by health insurance only for high-risk symptomatic individuals.

To prevent respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19, the following guidelines should be observed: practicing proper cough etiquette, regular and thorough handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, ventilating indoor spaces frequently (every two hours, for at least 10 minutes each time), and seeking medical care if experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms. In particular, if experiencing severe cough, high fever, or sore throat?symptoms of COVID-19?residents are advised to avoid multi-use facilities such as community centers and to wear a mask if use is unavoidable.

An official from the public health center stated, "It is important to follow personal quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19," and added, "We will continue to monitor the supply of oral COVID-19 treatments to minimize inconvenience for residents."

Detailed information about oral COVID-19 treatment prescription and dispensing institutions, prescription criteria, and eligibility can be found on the Hapcheon County Public Health Center website.