Home-use COVID-19 rapid testing kit rationing system came into effect across Taiwan on Thursday, and authorities say they are ready to distribute 170 million tests. The economy ministry says it is working with businesses to increase production as well as expand import volumes.
Under the new system, each resident can buy one kit, containing five tests, once a week after presenting their national ID or residence card. The kits are sold at a government-controlled price of NT$500 (US$17).
Taiwan’s economy ministry says that it is requisitioning a certain number of kits, but companies are still allowed to buy and sell the remainder freely. The ministry will give the kits that it secures to local governments and sell them to the public through the new rationing system at controlled prices.
The ministry says that right now, an average of 11 million tests per week are distributed through rationing, given to local governments, enterprises and retailers.