As the epidemic in Taiwan heats up, the Covid-19 level three alert has been extended to June 28. People who have suspected symptoms worry whether they are infected with Covid-19 or not. Foreign countries have Covid-19 rapid test kits that the public can buy, and Chen Shi-chung (陳時中), Minister of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛生福利部部長), said that if manufacturers provide rapid test kits that people can buy on their own, he promised to lower the "medical device risk rating" of these test kits.
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The rapid test reagents currently used in Taiwan are class 3 or high risk in the "risk rating of medical devices", and the public cannot purchase them through the internet and common shops. Recently, a legislator asked Minister of Health and Welfare, Chen Shi-chung, if rapid test reagent kits were made available for purchase by the public, whether it would help stop the spread of the virus in the community.
Rapid reagent test kits. (Photo/Retrieved from Danan Pharmacy Facebook page)
According to a report in "Health Magazine", rapid test reagents are not recommended for self-use by the public. If the testing procedure is done carelessly, the results will be affected. Also, it is recommended to dispose the rapid test kits properly after use.
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Chen Shi-chung said that the Ministry of Health and Welfare has asked manufacturers to supply rapid test reagent kits that can be self-used by the public and can also be used by medical personnel. During this time, the government will not restrict production and sales, and will lower the risk rating of the medical device.
