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The government in the Republic of Cyprus has pushed back availability of free rapid self tests to vaccinated persons, with officials saying another week was needed to ensure kits could detect all known variants including Omicron.
Free at-home Covid rapid tests initially scheduled to be launched Monday at local pharmacies through the state’s GESY healthcare system have been pushed back another week, with officials attributing the delay to the Omicron variant.
While self-swabbing is available to the general public, persons who have been vaccinated with at least two doses can get one 5-pack of rapid tests for free by presenting a valid ID
While self-swabbing is available to the general public, persons who have been vaccinated with at least two doses can get one 5-pack of rapid tests for free by presenting their ID cards or otherwise providing a vaccine certificate and proof of identity at local pharmacies within the GESY network.
Vaccinated persons not registered with GESY can also obtain free rapid tests from specific locations to be announced in the coming days in different districts, while unvaccinated individuals will need to pay for the kits.
No self test can replace official results obtained at pharmacies and government agency locations, according to government officials.
While unvaccinated persons must take a rapid test to obtain a Safe Pass to access many venues, local experts argue that free-of-charge rapid tests were meant to encourage vaccinated persons to get tested as well.
