The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) stated that the rapid antigen self-test kits are a valuable tool for people to check their Covid-19 status from the convenience of their homes. These kits have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international organisations.

The ministry ensured the supply of these kits by issuing a circular back in September to all authorised pharmacies in Qatar and their agents to import and make the kits available to the public.

However, the results of the kits may not be used for official purposes such as pre-travel testing, sick leave certificate, changing health status on Ehteraz or QUOT applications and official health certificates, says MoPH.

The third wave of Covid in Qatar is due to the highly contagious Omicron. Although the number of people testing positive will increase, the majority of cases will have mild to moderate symptoms without requiring medical care.

The efficiency of Rapid antigen tests help detect Covid-19 virus antigens in the respiratory tract. The tests only require a nasal swab from the person and results are revealed within 15 to 20 minutes.

Rapid antigen self-tests are used world-wide to help detect Covid-19 for those with or without symptoms but are still infectious to others.

The ministry stated that rapid antigen self-tests can be useful for individuals suspecting to have Covid-19 due to mild, moderate or severe symptoms, those that have no symptoms but were recently in contact or close with a positive individual, and those that would like to check their Covid-19 status before meeting family, friends, and for social gatherings.

Those with severe symptoms are advised by the ministry to seek immediate medical care.

Also, those who test positive are to isolate themselves at home and avoid contact with family and friends. It is important to stay hydrated, stay active, and if needed take paracetamol for relief.

These individuals may also visit a primary health centre or private clinic to obtain the official Covid-19 test certificate, so that Ehteraz status automatically changes.

These kits can be found in authorised pharmacies and Al Meera hypermarkets with a maximum price of QAR 35 per test as set by MoPH. The demand for these kits in Qatar is fairly high, the ministry procured large quantities for the public and urges people not to purchase them in bulk limiting only 10 tests per person for each transaction.

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Cover image credit and source: Gulf Times