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The Ministry of Health decided on Thursday to set up a new protocol for rapid tests in health centers. These are antibody tests, which would allow rapid screening of infected patients.
Released yesterday, a document from the ministry explains that in the event of positive results for Covid-19, a PCR test is carried out. While awaiting the results, the patient must already be placed in confinement.
According to the ministry, this mechanism would make it easier to reduce testing times. The measure would also decrease the duration potentially infected or contagious people may be able to come in contact with others. «Primary health care facilities are required to carry out rapid antibody tests for at-risk population and suspected cases sent by private sector doctors», the statement further explained.
If the tests detect the presence of antibodies, thereby confirming a recent infection with the new coronavirus, the patients would be sent to hospitals to undergo a PCR test and a complementary assessment. In the meantime, they would also be required to self-isolate at home.
In the event of a negative PCR result, the health center will have to inform the patient and recommend self-containment. But in the event of positivity for Covid-19, the asymptomatic patient will remain monitored from home.
