Coronavirus: Rapid tests find 50 cases, PCR tests to verify results

Fifty people in total were found positive among 4,151 antigen rapid tests given by mobile units in all districts except Nicosia, the health ministry said on Monday.

A 10-day free testing with antigen rapid tests for Covid-19 started on Monday, the health ministry said, to ensure public health and to provide rapid data on coronavirus infections. This is also part of an effort to prevent new outbreaks.

The programme is being implemented on an island-wide basis, with more emphasis on the districts of Limassol and Paphos where the epidemiological picture is burdened. The programme is addressed to the general population.

Results are issued within 15 minutes after a sampling by nasal swab.

Rapid antigen tests are estimated to be 92 to 98 per cent accurate. People who test positive must self-isolate and undergo a PCR test for verification.

In total 50 people were found positive on Monday among 4,151 tests, with Limassol recording 27 cases among 2,214 tests given. Fourteen cases were found in Larnaca among 550 tests and five cases were found during testing in the Famagusta district where 268 tests were given.

Three cases emerged in Paphos, among 550 tests and one case in Polis Chrysochous, among 201 tests.

Tests in Nicosia will start in the coming days, the ministry said.

The health ministry clarified that rapid antigen tests do not concern workers who can move to and from Limassol and Paphos, since they are required to present a negative PCR test.

 

 

 

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