NEW COVID-19 TESTING METHOD

[Anchor Lead]

One of the ways to prevent massive COVID-19 outbreaks is maximizing testing to find infected individuals as soon as possible. The government has decided to introduce saliva and rapid antigen testing methods at high-risk facilities.

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The PCR testing method used in Korea has an accuracy rate of 99 percent, but is too complicated. It can only be performed by skilled medical workers by inserting cotton swabs deep into the nasal area to collect specimens. More simplified testing methods such as saliva and rapid antigen tests are to be introduced soon.

[Soundbite] NA SUNG-WOONG(CENTRAL DISEASE CONTROL HQs) : "The biggest obstacle in expanding testing is not the lack of equipment or reagents the complex specimen collection process. To overcome this, we have verified a simpler saliva test and will begin supplying it next week."

The accuracy of the saliva DNA tests is 92 percent. Test takers just need to bring a container with their saliva to the testing room. The process makes collecting samples easier and also doesn't require any medical staff. This testing method will be first introduced at social welfare centers in Seoul that don't have in-house medical workers. Rapid antigen tests require no seperate testing equipment with results available on the spot in a short amount of time. It takes only 15 to 30 minutes instead of the six hours required by conventional tests. This method will be used proactively in nursing facilities, emergency rooms and remote areas.

[Soundbite] LEE SANG-WON(CENTRAL DISEASE CONTROL HQs) : "The pitfall of this method is relatively low accuracy. However, it has moreadvantages when COVID-19 cases spike."

Screening stations in the Seoul metropolitan area will stay open late in the evening and on holidays so workers and young people can quickly get tested. Authorities are also considering setting up large drive-through testing stations.