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The use of corona rapid tests is to be expanded further from March 1st.
There are now significantly more tests available on the market, said Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) to the editorial network Germany (Wednesday).
"Therefore, all citizens should be able to be tested free of charge by trained staff with rapid antigen tests." According to this, local authorities should be able to commission test centers or pharmacies with such offers, and the federal government should assume the costs.
The plans are also intended to pave the way for the use of lay self-tests, which are currently being examined for approval that is expected in the near future.
It is under discussion to hand them in for a “small contribution” of one euro.
"These tests can contribute to a safe everyday life, especially in schools and daycare centers," said Spahn.
They would be “checked and approved as quickly as possible”.
The federal government had already expanded the use of corona rapid tests in several steps.
They can already be used in nursing homes, clinics and, after infection, in schools - but for the time being with trained staff.
The samples do not need to be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
However, antigen tests are not considered to be as accurate as other PCR tests.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), a positive result of a rapid test must therefore be confirmed with a PCR test.
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