More than 1.2 million COVID-19 rapid tests will reach stores in Taiwan by the end of this week. That’s the word on Friday from an unnamed government official, who says defense ministry personnel are helping to label tests coming from overseas.
Stores and pharmacies across Taiwan have run out of rapid tests as a wave of new COVID infections sweeps across the country.
But authorities expect to ease the shortage soon. They say more than 10 million testing kits will reach shelves by the end of April, along with another 21 million on May 2.
Taiwan’s rationing system for rapid tests will also come into force in the next few weeks. Under the scheme, people will be able to use their national medical insurance card to buy 5 tests a month at a price of about NT$100 (US$3.42) each.