Already as of Wednesday some pharmacies are carrying out certified rapid tests by nasal swab. All participating pharmacies will offer this service from Monday, May 17 onwards - the result is obtained in less than 30 minutes.

Pharmacies will make specially equipped spaces available to the public, and will set up their own system with regards to booked appointments, time-slots or walk-ins.

To limit the number of people at a pharmacy at any given time, residents are advised to contact their pharmacy in advance. It should also be noted that tests cannot be carried out when pharmacies are on call.

Patients with symptoms similar to Covid-19 are asked not to go to the pharmacy.

How does it work, and how much does it cost?

A person will be tested at the pharmacy and receive a certificate indicating their result.

This certificate, which includes the signature of the health professional and the logo of the Department of Health, is valid as proof of a negative result required in particular for certain trips, activities or entrances (hospitality sector, concerts, etc.)

Should a patient be positive, the result is immediately forwarded by the healthcare professional to the Department of Health to ensure patient follow-up and initiate contact tracing.

The communication by the Ministry of Health did not indicate the price of the tests, but according to reporting by Paperjam the tests are expected to cost between €30 and €35.

Here's an article on how to proceed with on-site testing at a hospitality establishment. Customers will need either a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old or a negative result from a rapid antigen test less than 24 hours old to frequent the restaurant.