Filenews 26 July 2021
Clarifications and answers to citizens' questions, in relation to the conduct of the rapid test sampling programme is given by the Ministry of Health. Among other things, it answers questions about the population groups that are entitled to free tests but also where citizens can turn to for tests.
What changes from 1 August onwards in relation to the conduct of rapid antigen detection tests?
According to a Decision of the Council of Ministers, dated 2 July 2021, from 1 August the free rapid antigen detection test for COVID-19 (antigen rapid test) is abolished.
Where a citizen can be subjected to a rapid test to ensure SafePass ;
For safepass purposes, citizens may carry out rapid antigen detection tests only in the licensed premises of the clinical laboratories which are primarily responsible for carrying out tests, as well as in the licensed premises of pharmacies.
The Ministry of Health has established procedures for monitoring and supervising the procedures to be followed with regard to the necessary knowledge as well as the medical equipment to be used, since only products of specific manufacturers may be used for the issue of the European Digital Certificate as the agreement of the Member States of the European Union. With regard to clinical laboratories or pharmacies, which will not comply with the procedures and recommendations of the Ministry of Health regarding the conduct and reporting of the results of the checks to be carried out, they will be lifted from the approval to carry out the checks and will be subject to a fine.
It is clarified that other medical centres and/or clinical laboratories and pharmacies carrying out rapid testing with mobile units may not issue a SafePass and/or a European Digital Certificate.
How much will it cost to run tests in private clinical laboratories and pharmacies?
The maximum charge price according to a decision of the Council of Ministers, dated 16 July 2021, is set at €10.
Is the Ministry of Health's rapid test program terminated?
No, the Ministry of Health's programme will continue for groups of the population, which for certain reasons cannot be vaccinated and which it will continue to provide free of charge.
Can I conduct a rapid test at my own expense on mobile sampling units operating through the Ministry of Health program?
No, mobile sampling units that will continue through the Ministry of Health program will only serve groups of the population who are excluded from the paid testing and are not authorized to receive money from citizens.
Which groups of the population will be entitled to test mobile sampling units through the Ministry of Health's free programme?
Upon the necessary presentation of the evidence for identification purposes, the following groups may carry out a free rapid test through the Ministry of Health's programme:
- Minors up to 16 years of age who currently do not have the option of vaccination against COVID-19.
- Minors aged 16 and 17years, if their parents/legal guardians do not consent to their vaccination.
- Persons aged 16 years and over who cannot be vaccinated and who have the appropriate medical certificate confirming this. Categories of citizens who cannot be vaccinated due to medical problems will be adopted on the recommendation of the Cyprus Medical Association and relevant instructions will be issued to citizens and health professionals.
- Pregnant women with the necessary presentation of a medical certificate from their Gynaecologist attesting that vaccination is not recommended.
- People who have been vaccinated with the 1st dose of the vaccine and for the three-week period to be tested as a condition for SafePass. For verification purposes, the Vaccination Card should be presented.
- People who have completed their vaccination regimen but wish to undergo tests for health monitoring purposes or for other reasons. It is understood that the Vaccination Card must be presented.
In addition, the Ministry of Health, in the context of monitoring the epidemiological situation of the country, will continue its checks on closed structures, nursing homes and other places where high-risk persons and/or vulnerable groups of the population reside/host.
How often should I be subjected to a rapid antigen detection test?
For safepass purposes and provided that a citizen over 12 years of age does not hold a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 disease in the last 180 days, he must undergo a PCR test or a rapid antigen detection test every 72 hours
