South Koreans turn to telemedicine amid Covid as President-elect Yoon backs practice

People wearing masks walk in a shopping district amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. — Reuters

SEOUL: Kim Jin-woo, a 27-year old resident of Seoul battling Covid-19 and recovering at home under a new government policy, needed to see a doctor when his symptoms did not improve, but the nearest designated hospital was fully booked. So he picked up his phone.

Like Kim, many have turned to telemedicine in South Korea in recent weeks as access to in-person options have been hit after authorities said they would only provide care to Covid patients aged 60 and above amid record high Omicron cases and prescribed home care for those with mild symptoms.