More than 100 million COVID rapid tests will be delivered to Taiwan by the end of the month. That was the word from the health ministry on Monday as Taiwan faces a shortage during its biggest outbreak of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The four major convenience stores also began selling the rapid tests again on Monday albeit at a cost higher than the government’s rationing scheme. Customers can only purchase one test kit at a time at these stores due to the current demand and shortage.
On April 28, Taiwan began rationing rapid tests at a price of NT$100 each. Each person with a national health card can buy a box of five at local pharmacies per distribution round. Each pharmacy, however, only receives 78 boxes a day, so this shortage has led to long lines and many people unable to purchase them.
Demand for rapid tests has spiked due to a recent surge in domestic COVID-19 infections. Taiwan's PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test capacity has not been sufficient in handling the demand for testing. PCR tests are more accurate and are required for those who test positive with a rapid test but their use has been restricted in the face of high demand in Taiwan.
The incoming rapid tests should help alleviate current public anxiety over acquiring rapid tests. Chuang Jen-hsiang, deputy head of Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, said he hopes every household would have at least one box of tests by May 20.