TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (疾管署, CDC) projected on Monday (July 1) that the number of COVID-19 infections might surpass 100,000 by mid-July.
The rising demand for rapid tests is evident as pharmacist Shen Tsai-ying (沈采穎) revealed that last week alone, they sold 60 to 70 boxes of previously unpopular rapid test kits.
The CDC had previously planned to distribute 3 million free rapid tests in two batches. The first batch was distributed earlier in June.
Taipei Medical Association Chairperson Chou Ching-ming (周慶明) disclosed that the second batch of free rapid tests should be distributed this week.
Meanwhile, CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) said, "After distributing the 3 million free rapid tests in two stages, we have no stock left. From now on, the rapid test kits will return to the market mechanism."
"The CDC has no plans to purchase more public rapid tests. If people need rapid tests, they will have to buy them themselves," Tseng added.
Chou noted that the first wave involved 2,520 locations assisting in distributing free rapid tests. The initial plan was to distribute the first batch at the end of June and start distributing in July.
However, due to the escalating epidemic, all the rapid tests received by the clinics have been claimed. Even his clinic ran out last week, so the second batch, originally scheduled for distribution at the end of July, should also be distributed early.
