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The European Commission will step up rapid COVID-19 antigen testing and support to increase testing capacity.
The move follows the European Commission’s recommendation to ensure that a common approach is adopted across the EU and more efficient testing strategies are undertaken. Provides guidance for the selection of rapid antigen tests and requires validation and mutual recognition of tests and their results.
Increase testing across the EU
The European Commission will also contribute € 35.5 million, funded by the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI), to increase the COVID-19 testing capacity in the EU, which will be used to support staff training for the collection of samples and analysis and testing, which will allow Red Cross mobile test teams to have access to the equipment, laboratory items and reagents needed to take samples and support national authorities in their work.
Star Kyriakides, The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety said: “The tests tell us how large the spread is, where it is and how it develops. It is a decisive tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19. To increase EU coordination on testing methods, we are today providing guidance to Member States on the use of rapid antigen testing to better manage COVID-19 outbreaks. Being efficient in testing also requires the availability of the necessary resources, which is why even today we are strengthening our support to increase the testing capacity of the Member States. Support and solidarity are key to overcoming this pandemic. “
Contain the spread of the virus in the Member States
The recommendation will support Member States in the rapid identification of infected persons and regular monitoring of high-risk groups, such as medical staff or nursing homes.
The European Commission is encouraging Member States to conduct rapid antigen tests in addition to RT-PCR tests to contain the spread of the virus, detect infections and limit isolation and quarantine measures, and stressed that the mutual recognition of results testing is vital for facilitating cross-border movement, cross-border contact tracing and processing, as compliance contributes to the free movement of persons and the smooth functioning of the internal market in times of limited proofing capacity.
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