Status: 02/13/2021 4:57 p.m.
–
–
–
The responsible Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices is planning to allow corona self-tests for everyday use from March. The federal government is also in favor – but under certain conditions.
The Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices is hoping to approve rapid corona tests for home use in March. “We are currently assuming on the basis of the application documents available so far that we will be able to issue the first special approvals in early March,” said a spokesman for the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung”. Accordingly, there are applications for up to 30 different products, with which everyone can test themselves within a quarter of an hour.
Federal government optimistic with reservations
Health Minister Jens Spahn had cautiously commented on such tests on Friday. Politics allow these tests to be used, but quality is important for approval, he said. Because if they should give a lot of false negative results, “then there is also a risk”. Infected people could infect others, assuming they are not infected.
After a possible approval, according to Spahn, there would be talks between the federal and state governments on how the tests should be included in the strategies. The price is still open – and to what extent the federal government may support the purchase.
Self-tests in schools and daycare centers
After their video conference on Wednesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of the federal states found that they see “another suitable means of increasing test capacities in Germany” in quick tests for self-application. “Increasingly, rapid tests should also enable safe teaching and safe care and education in day-care centers and day care and minimize the risk of infection.”
Gargling or spitting
The previous rapid tests require a swab with a long stick deep in the nose or throat. They should only be done by trained staff – also because the deep smear is uncomfortable for many. Various products are being discussed for self-tests, for example gargle and spit tests.
According to scientists, reliable rapid tests for home use could play a big role in getting back to normal everyday life. Under strict conditions, for example, restaurants could be opened.
–
