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Erfurt (dpa / th) - Thuringia's Minister of Health Heike Werner (Linke) can imagine widely available rapid antigen tests as part of an opening strategy in the corona pandemic.
"If it is carried out by trained staff or a doctor and you then get proof that this test is negative, then that would be a variant to combine it with an opening strategy," said Werner of the German press agency.
It is also conceivable, for example, to go back to the theater with a negative test result.
According to Werner, a distinction must be made between the lay self-tests, three variants of which have received special approval from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, as it became known on Wednesday.
"I am glad that they are here now because they are a good means for acting independently," said Werner.
There are many people who would like to be tested before going into situations where they are afraid of endangering others.
The self-tests are a great help for these people.
"It will be very important that there are good instructions for the tests," said Werner.
The result must be reliable.
She also appealed to citizens to undergo a PCR test if the result was positive, in order to be absolutely sure.
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In addition to the now approved lay self-tests, rapid tests have been approved for use by trained staff since the beginning of February.
They can already be used in nursing homes, for example.
There are plans to offer free rapid tests for all citizens - for example in test centers, medical practices or pharmacies.
This should first be discussed at the upcoming federal-state consultations on the pandemic on March 3.
Werner said it had to be clarified, among other things, how exactly these tests are funded - and how many of them per week.
"It must be clear who can carry out these tests and what training they need," said Werner.
The staff who are supposed to carry out the tests must also be financed.
Infrastructure is also necessary - for example suitable rooms in pharmacies, for example.
«Everything has to be looked at.
This requires clear guidelines and clear financing, ”emphasized the Minister of Health.
In her opinion, it would be good if as many groups as possible could be involved in carrying out the tests.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210225-99-583495 / 2