South Korea to give out rapid tests as Omicron shatters record

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South Korea will distribute free coronavirus rapid test kits at elementary schools and nursing homes starting next week as it weathers an unprecedented wave of infections driven by the fast-moving Omicron variant.

Health officials reported the country's highest daily jump in coronavirus infections with 90,443 new cases, shattering the previous one-day record set on Tuesday by more than 33,000 cases. Some experts say the country could see daily cases of around 200,000 in March, AP reported.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Seoul's No. 2 official behind President Moon Jae-in, said officials will start distributing free rapid test kits at kindergartens, elementary schools and nursing homes next week to strengthen protection for unvaccinated children and high-risk groups.

Medical workers stand by to guide people as they wait for their coronavirus test at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, South Korea on Wednesday. — AP
Medical workers stand by to guide people as they wait for their coronavirus test at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, South Korea on Wednesday. — AP

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