Rapid antigen tests for professional use will continue to be reimbursed in February, taking into account the current epidemiological situation of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, according to an ordinance published today in Diário da República.
"In the context of the current epidemiological situation, it is important to continue to ensure the validity of the exceptional and temporary regime until February 28, continuing the use of tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2", says the decree signed by the Secretary of State for Health Diogo Serras Lopes.
Each user will be able to take four free rapid antigen tests (TRag) per month in pharmacies, clinical pathology laboratories or clinical analyzes or other health care establishments with valid registration with the Health Regulatory Entity for this purpose.
According to data released today to the Lusa agency by the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 25 SARS-Cov-33.091.055 screening tests have already been carried out in Portugal, until this Tuesday, January 2th, of which 18.572.888 were PCR and 14.518.167 TRag.
This month alone, 6.286.230 diagnostic tests were performed, 1.907.802 of which were PCR and 4.378.428 TRAg, in a daily average of 251.449 tests.
The ordinance is in force until the 28th of February, without prejudice to its possible extension.
Under this regime, rapid antigen tests for Covid-19 are available in 1.351 pharmacies and 684 laboratories in the country, according to data from the National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed).
There are also 56 health care establishments where these tests can be performed free of charge.
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