Filenews 19 July 2021 - by Marlena Panagi
The programme of free rapid diagnosis tests for the general population is definitively abolished from 1 August, but the Council of Ministers has decided to set a maximum price for their performance by private laboratories and pharmacies at €10 instead of the €20 currently in force.
This decision will be implemented by means of a decree to be adopted in the coming days, and certainly before 1 August, when the free programmes will be terminated.
At the same time, however, the Ministerial decided to give exemptions in order to serve citizens who are not necessarily vaccinated but also to promote vaccination especially for young people since all those who have received the first dose of the vaccine and those who are fully vaccinated will be entitled to a free examination, as long as they present the vaccination card.
In detail and in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers, the performance of a rapid diagnostic test is excluded from:
- Pregnant women who hold a certificate from their doctor that they cannot be vaccinated
- Children up to 16 years of age who cannot be vaccinated
- Adolescents, from 16 to 18 years of age who can be vaccinated through the vaccination program of the Ministry of Health, but have not done so since there is no consent from their parents/guardians.
- Persons 16 years of age or older who cannot undergo vaccination documented by a medical certificate.
Furthermore, and in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers, persons who have received at least the first dose of the vaccine and who have passed three weeks from the day of vaccination shall be exempted and served free of charge at the expense of the State.' This decision was taken in view of the fact that 'SafePass' requires vaccination at least with the first dose of the vaccine and over three weeks'.
In addition, with a view to further promoting vaccinations, the Council of Ministers has decided that people who complete their vaccination (both doses, that is), but, at regular intervals, wish to undergo an examination to monitor their state of health, they will also have the right to free examination by the State.
In both cases the presentation of the vaccination card will be required.
Citizens who do not belong to the categories for which an exemption is granted will be able to be served by private laboratories and pharmacies. To this end, according to the Ministry of Health, the control and supervision procedures and the criteria to be met by individuals for carrying out the tests have been drawn up.
Also, for the purposes of preventing the spread of the virus and continuing to control the epidemiological situation in closed structures, shelters for the elderly, Special Schools, reception and hospitality centres for migrants, etc., the Ministry of Health will continue to conduct tests with mobile sampling units. Sampling checks at the republic's entry points will also continue.
Finally, with regard to the price at which the tests will be available from the private sector, the Council of Ministers has decided that the ceiling, i.e. the maximum price at which private laboratories and pharmacies will be able, after 1 August, to charge citizens, will not exceed €10.
