Sapporo visitors can receive free PCR testing kits

A visitor receives a PCR testing kit at JR Sapporo Station on Saturday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

SAPPORO -- Visitors to Sapporo from outside Hokkaido were given free PCR testing kits on Saturday at JR Sapporo Station.

The aim of the Hokkaido government is to detect signs of the novel coronavirus to prevent it being spread by asymptomatic people.

A total of 700 kits will be distributed through mid-May to people who agree to take part in the PCR test.

PCR testing kits the Hokkaido Prefectural Govt. has prepared for visitors are seen at JR Sapporo Station on Saturday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

These people will send their own saliva samples to a private testing institute by mail and receive the results by email. If the result is positive, the testing organization will contact the Hokkaido government and the public health center closest to the person's residence. The public health center will then request the person to take an official PCR test.

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