《TAIPEI TIMES》 COVID-19 test rationing starts Saturday

By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter

The sixth round of a rationing scheme for purchasing COVID-19 rapid test kits is to start on Saturday, allowing people to buy more kits than in previous rounds, the Central Epidemic Command Center （CECC） said yesterday.

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Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Victor Wang （王必勝）, who heads the center, said that number of local COVID-19 infections might have plateaued, and there is a higher demand for the test kits.

Six packs, each containing five kits, can be purchased individually for NT$500 per pack, Wang said, adding that six can be obtained in one purchase or at different times.

People can also purchase kits on behalf of family and friends by bringing their National Health Insurance card or residence permit, he said.

People aged 65 and older, and children aged six and younger, are also to be eligible for a free pack of test kits at one of the nation’s 4,517 contracted pharmacies or 79 public health centers, Wang said, adding that the free kits are not included in the quota.

Wang said that at-home rapid antigen tests using a nasal swab should not be used on children aged two or younger.

Wang also said that as of yesterday, indigenous people aged 55 to 64 are being offered free packs of rapid test kits, which have been delivered to local governments.

They or an appointed family member or friend can obtain the kits at an authorized local government distribution point by showing a household certificate or registration, he said.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES