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Tests intended for home use are a new technology and are very easy to use.
The Secretary General of Coordination of the Government, Thanassis Kontogeorgis, gave explanations about the coronavirus vaccines and the self tests. According to him, in the first week of April and after the completion of the procedures with the regulatory framework and the supplies, there will be detailed announcements and every citizen who has AMKA will be able to take four tests every month from the country’s pharmacies. As he explained, these are not the classic rapid tests we know, but they are a new technology and they are very easy to use, since they are intended for home use. “They do not require the help of a health professional to do this, there will be videos and leaflets that will be accessible to all citizens,” he told Open.
He clarified that for any other use or for leave from work, a PCR test (molecular) should be re-checked in the health structures of the country, ie in the hospitals and health centers. Regarding when the general population will be vaccinated, Mr. Kontogeorgis noted that the vaccination program is progressing very well in relation to the adequacy of vaccines and next week will be completed 1.5 million first and second dose vaccinations. The general population is estimated to start vaccinating in May, preceded by vulnerable groups. Similarly, prioritization of vaccination of specific working groups will be considered after vaccination of vulnerable groups.
Self test: 12 answers for free coronavirus tests
From the very first week of April, the citizens will be able to carry out a free antigen test by doing the test themselves. This is the new tool that our country includes in the fight against the pandemic. According to the government, Greece is the first in Europe to establish the easy availability and widespread use of these tests for the weekly self-monitoring of citizens, easily and free of charge. Thus, every citizen who wishes, will be able to receive with his AMKA, from the pharmacy of his neighborhood, a free test every week.
In addition, it is emphasized that rapid tests will potentially help to carry out millions of tests, which will be added to the daily routines and will allow better epidemiological surveillance and of course prevention. It is also worth noting that, along with the self-test, citizens will receive a leaflet with instructions on how to proceed depending on the result.
Useful questions-answers
1. Is it difficult to do the test on my own?
No. We are talking about tests performed at home without the support of a health professional. There will be videos and leaflets with instructions for conducting the test by each citizen individually.
2. Is the test reliable?
Yes, home individual tests have a high degree of sensitivity and validity approaching 95-99%.
3. What do I do if I test positive?
The protocol of EODY is followed, which provides for the declaration of the positive case (on a special platform that will be announced) and re-examination in a health structure. A positive home test diagnosis cannot be used as a certificate of leave of absence without re-examination.
4. Can I do more tests?
Each citizen / AMKA holder is entitled to four tests per month that can be obtained from the pharmacy in his neighborhood.
5. Can I do it at the pharmacy?
These tests are easy to use and are intended for home use. However, if there are citizens who want help or guidance, this can be done by the pharmacist with a small financial burden for the service he provides.
6. If I am positive, where do I state it?
Answered above.
7. Do I pay for the test?
No, the tests are free. Along with the free distribution, the possibility of supplying individual tests through pharmacies will be opened at the prices that will arise in the context of the free market.
8. Will it only be available from pharmacies? Will I pay the pharmacist?
Answered above.
9. How many tests is a family entitled to?
Four tests per person. Parents of minor children will be able to obtain their children’s tests themselves. Home tests can be performed without the support of a health professional from the age of 14 and over.
10. Are self tests different from rapid tests?
Yes it is easier to use. Specifically, they are nasal and salivary tests and not nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal.
11. What is the use of taking the test if I do not state it somewhere?
It is virtually impossible to centrally control regular testing on such a large scale. However, the positive tests will be declared based on the instructions of EODY in order to have better epidemiological surveillance and tracking.
12. Can I take tests for other members of my family?
Yes for connected minor members by their guardians.
