I just read that they seemed to have long queues and some places already sold out - but I feel like it’s probably a good idea to have some at home just in case. Not sure though if I should try to go to some pharmacies now or if I need to wait for a specific date etc. when the stock is back?
Anyone successfully purchased a set using the new scheme? Are they already sold out at all places? Or any other experiences yet?
While running other errands on Thursday, I walked past a couple of places that were sold out, and one with a long line. I’m opting to wait until things settle down.
Discussion over in this thread, starting around the linked post:
Also discussion over in the main (well, increasingly misnamed “Specific Developments”) thread, scattered with all kinds of other stuff:
Bought two sets. Very easy. A little wait, but nothing crazy.
Same here, I guess if you’re not sure you have covid and need a test then it’s not that serious, if you’re feeling ill enough that you need to see a doctor they’ll perform a test. Only those who need a clean result for work urgently need kits and IMHO their employer should be providing them anyway (mine does unless WFH).
Also keep in mind with omicron that you can be symptomatic but show up negative on a rapid test for a number of days. (Don’t tell the Taiwan CDC this, quarantine will never end!!). I’ve heard some in the US suggesting you test yourself daily for a week if you’ve been exposed. Taiwan’s rationing system has only lead to hoarding — no one is going to buy the tests and then use them daily. They’re going to hold on to them until they get sent into isolation and then use the test provided to them by the government.
This…
My friend’s son had all the symptoms and didn’t test positive until the fourth day when he was already starting to feel better. Two negative tests beforehand when he was symptomatic.
Crazy line outside my local drugstore; almost round the block. Guess they’ve been waiting a while as people have camping chairs set up.
Meanwhile my parents-in-laws bought 4 sets (40 tests). A woman on the news bought 10 sets. Not sure this system is working.
I’m buying zero tests. If I think I have it, I will stay home until I feel better. If it gets bad, I’ll go to the hospital. This isn’t the OG COVID anymore. I’m happy to wear a mask on public transit, etc. but I don’t see the value in standing in a crowded line trying to buy a box of tests that I may or may not need.
Just got a line message from my sons school asking for people to donate test kits if they have extra due to the number of possible cases connected to the school needing them, I guess that means the gov’ment has not actually been providing kits to contacts and that it’s unlikely the school will actually reopen on Tuesday…
Maybe that means the government is giving up but the school hasn’t quite yet.
Yep. The government has been useless. Only good at making cardboard posters.
Send a lot of flow charts saying what rules people must follow but don’t do their part.
I am more concerned about suddenly receiving a call or message telling me I need to take a rapid test and then not having one at home…
Very limited sample, and of course your mileage will vary: a pharmacy I just went by had a long queue for tests that were going to be available in a few minutes.
Last week I hoped the lines would disappear within a week, after the initial rush. Oh well. Not yet!
I wonder if they’ll eventually switch to the online ordering to convenience stores system as they did for masks. It would seem to make more sense than the time-wasting government-mandated superspreader event system they’re using right now, and it should be trivial to implement since the system was already developed.
Pharmacy chains MedFirst and Your Chance began selling the Gmate COVID-19 saliva rapid test kits Thursday (May 12).
MedFirst announced on Facebook Wednesday (May 11) that all of its locations across Taiwan would be selling 100 saliva rapid tests, priced at NT$175 (US$5.88) each. Each customer will be limited to two kits.
Meanwhile, though Your Chance said in a Facebook post that it would also sell the test kits, it told Taiwan News that customers will have to check with individual locations directly to confirm whether they have any in stock. The test kits will also be sold for NT$175 each at Your Chance pharmacies.
The fuck are MedFirst and Your Chance? What’s the Chinese?
I’ve seen a MedFirst somewhere. Green logo with orange cross. Just looked it up: 杏一健康生活館. “杏一” and “medFirst” are in the logo. Not sure about Your Chance. Funky English name, that’s for sure.
You would think after the mask buying fiasco a few months ago that they would have been on top of this. 
Ha