An expert group convened by the Government has split on the role of rapid antigen testing in suppressing Covid-19 and reopening society. It says that if the pilot results are positive, “widespread rapid testing could be deployed in all schools by September 2021”, and that a strategy of rapid testing could be deployed before major State exams. A group should be established to co-ordinate sharing of information on tests, sampling and training which will allow organisations establish their own testing programmes. It calls on the HSE to assist in the establishment of rapid testing in schools, healthcare settings and other parts of the public sector. The Department of Enterprise and employers should establish rapid testing programmes and pilots in workplaces, especially where significant face-to-face interactions or attendance at workplaces is required from employees.

Source: The Irish Times March 30, 2021 14:47 UTC