The Health Directorate estimated that 5,000 antigenic tests could be used per day. However, as the rapid tests are less efficient and less sensitive than PCR tests, there is a risk of not detecting infections if the viral load is low, as is the case in asymptomatic patients. The Health Directorate has therefore retained a limited number of useful indications for rapid tests.
In a response to CSV MPs Martine Hansen and Claude Wiseler, the Minister of Health Paulette Lenert explained the rapid tests could be used for diagnosing hospital, nursing and care home staff displaying mild symptoms. The tests, which diagnose patients between the first and the fourth day after the onset of symptoms, could also be used for asylum seekers, as well as for triage of symptomatic patients at the entrance of emergency departments, Covid consultation centres and medical offices.
Another use envisaged for antigenic tests will be the regular systematic screening for places with a high density of people and therefore with a high frequency of transmission (such as campuses, homes, prisons, etc.), as well as for visitors to retirement or care homes for the elderly.
The Health Directorate is currently evaluating the number of rapid tests to be allocated. Antigenic tests are not recommended for people over 65, because of the tests’ lower rate of reliability.
Based on current scientific data on rapid tests, the Health Directorate does not recommend systematic screening by rapid antigen tests prior to attending family gatherings, or sporting/cultural events as a spectator.
Press conference summary - Vaccines to be free of charge, not mandatory, says PM
