Free COVID-19 PCR tests now available in Taipei by online appointment

Seven municipal hospitals in Taipei City would offer online appointment starting July 7 for residents to get a free COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) said on July 5.

Online appointments can be made at the Heping, Zhongxing, Renai, Yangming and Zhongxiao branches of Taipei City Hospital, as well as Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital and Taipei Municipal Wan Fang Hospital, Ko said at a COVID-19 briefing.

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Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je hoped to bring the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taipei down to zero within a month. (Source from TCG) 

Ko said on June 16 he hoped to bring the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taipei down to zero within a month through widespread testing.

Taipei has several stations offering rapid tests to its residents, but the PCR tests are more precise, and by offering the expensive tests for free, Ko is hoping more people will take the initiative to get tested.

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Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je hoped to bring the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taipei down to zero within a month. (Source from TCG)

The measure is primarily aimed at those asymptomatic and those who have come into contact with confirmed patients, Ko said, but the free service is open to anybody, not just Taipei residents.