TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations are collaborating to provide 10 million free COVID-19 home test kits at more than 4,500 National Health Insurance-contracted pharmacies across Taiwan starting Monday (May 6). The kits are expected to be available at all participating pharmacies by May 8. Everyone is entitled to one box per visit, except for special circumstances.
Despite the pandemic plateauing, Taiwan is still seeing an average of 20 to 30 COVID-19 deaths and about 200 cases with complications each week. The World Health Organization recently declared COVID-19 a persistent health issue, urging the public to remain vigilant about the risk of complications.
Earlier this year, the CDC provided free home test kits to international port travelers. Following public feedback, the CDC extended this initiative to domestic residents in need.
The 10 million test kits, with an expiration date extending to the end of this year, can be collected when visiting pharmacies for prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, medical equipment, or health foods. A list of participating pharmacies can be found on the CDC's official website.
The Pharmacists Association reminds the public that although the pandemic is easing, COVID-19 patients can still develop severe symptoms and potentially die from complications. The association is assisting the CDC by using community pharmacies as distribution points for the test kits. Collecting a free kit requires no identification, but supplies are limited.
The association also urges the public to only take what they need and not to stockpile. The test kits are government-controlled pandemic prevention materials, and pharmacies are prohibited from selling them or using them for promotional purposes.