Authorities urged to offer antigen test kits

The National Healthcare Security Administration asked provincial level healthcare security authorities to temporarily include COVID-19 antigen test kits in the catalog of medical services covered by basic insurance.

In a notice released on its website on March 21, the administration said authorities should, however, do so while taking into account their existing control and prevention needs and their ability to pay for the tests. They should also improve their policies while ensuring all risks remain controllable.

The administration also asked authorities to strictly adhere to the suggestions on which drugs to use outlined in the ninth edition of the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol of COVID-19.

They should buy drugs newly included in the ninth edition and stop purchasing those that have been removed from it.

Additionally, authorities should support the operations of hospitals in regions seriously affected by the epidemic, and are permitted to use funds to pay in advance for the treatment of COVID-19 cases.

In particular, authorities are required to cover vaccination costs, the administration added.

Ministry updates cold chain import regulations

The Ministry of Transport issued the fourth edition of a guideline to help workers prevent and control COVID-19 while handling cold chain food imported via land and water.

Issued on March 25, the update requires newly recruited employees at cold chain logistics companies to provide proof of vaccination, a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours of arrival at work and green health and travel codes.

In addition, workers engaged in high risk jobs at ports－such as those who load, unload and haul away cold chain food products－should complete COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots as soon as possible.

According to the guideline, stevedores should be vaccinated and work at fixed positions to avoid cross-infection. They should also wear disposable medical masks and gloves while at work.

Protective face shields, latex gloves and protective suits are also recommended.

The guideline states that goods will not be unloaded until vessels are granted inspection and quarantine certificates by customs, and until vessel companies promise that all crew members are healthy.

Stevedores should wear face masks at all times while unloading food imported from regions where there are COVID-19 cases, and they should also avoid touching their faces while handling goods, the guideline said.

Crew members are not allowed to disembark. When cooperation is needed, crew should wear masks and gloves and avoid direct contact with stevedores.
Workers transporting imported cold chain food must not open packages without permission.

Drivers transporting products should keep their hands clean, the guideline added, requiring drivers to carry hand sanitizers and use them regularly.
Logistics companies delivering cold chain food should keep a record of the health conditions of their workers, as well as the places they have visited during the past 14 days.