Significant differences have emerged between Ministers and public health officials over the use of antigen testing during the reopening of business and social life. Antigen tests are fast and can be self-administered, but have a higher rate of error than the PCR tests that are widely used by health authorities to test for the disease. “I believe rapid testing has a role to play in our fight against Covid-19,” he said. “I am also establishing a rapid test knowledge group to ensure that information on validated tests and sampling can be readily accessed. On Monday night a representative for small businesses accused public health officials of being “glib, flippant and scientifically ignorant” over their criticisms of rapid antigen tests to detect Covid-19.

Source: The Irish Times May 11, 2021 00:00 UTC