Germany: From March 1, every German citizen should be entitled to free coronavirus rapid tests, Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Tuesday. According to RND, he wants to extend the national testing strategy by taking advantage of the fact that rapid antigen tests are now commercially available in sufficient quantities.
According to Spahn’s plans, free quick tests should be available not only in public health centres, but also in private doctors’ offices, dentists and pharmacies. The testing costs are to be borne by the federal government.
“There are now much faster tests on the market. Therefore, all citizens should be able to perform antigen tests by trained personnel free of charge, “Spahn said on Tuesday to the news service RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND).
The expansion of the national testing strategy also stipulates that in-home testing should be available immediately after soon expected approval by the Federal Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (BfArM).
The Ministry of Health is already negotiating with various test manufacturers to secure sufficient quantities for the German market.
“The new rapid tests (…) will be tested and approved as soon as possible,” says Spahn. “These tests can contribute to safe everyday life, especially in schools and nurseries,” stressed the Minister of Health. (PAP)
Source: Polskiobserwator.de, Afronews.de