Taiwan is preparing to roll out a COVID-19 rapid test distribution scheme that will mimic the mask-rationing system in place at the beginning of the pandemic. Stores are running low on the tests amid a surge in local COVID-19 infections.
On Monday, people rushed to pharmacies to buy COVID-19 tests as new supplies came in. One woman says she has children back home, so she wanted to buy them just in case. She says she wasn’t able to find any at drug stores before.
New prices are much lower than before - only NT$200 (US$6.80) - but they’re selling out quickly, as these customers found out. Another woman says she’s buying some now that the government has lowered the prices. She thought the previous price of NT$360 (US$12.30) was too expensive.
The tests are available at Watson’s for about NT$200 each with 50,000 nationwide. PX Mart is selling packs of two and five.You can also buy them at nearly 400 drug stores in northern Taiwan.
Information on their availability can be found on 7-11 and FamilyMart apps as well as on the Line app.
But if you weren’t able to buy any, no worries. National health official Huang Su-ling says a nationwide mass distribution plan is underway. It’ll be similar to Taiwan’s old system for distributing face masks.
The plan should be up and rolling by early May when COVID tests will be available at your neighborhood drug stores.