Pharmacies get nod to conduct rapid tests

Pharmacists’ long-standing wish to contribute to the island’s rapid test efforts has received the Health Ministry’s nod, the head of the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association Eleni Piera-Isseyegh told Kathimerini Cyprus.

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Recognising pharmacies as accessible alternatives that could facilitate a decongestion of the island’s rapid test spots, the Health Ministry has given pharmacies the green light to conduct rapid tests on the public.

Pharmacies have received a list of approved rapid tests, with instructions to not deviate from the specific list. Piera-Isseyegh clarified that pharmacies won’t be conducting saliva tests, despite the fact that these are included in the Ministry’s list of approved tests, since the results from the these tests aren’t recognised by the Ministry’s epidemiological surveillance unit.

While rapid tests are being conducted free of charge on a daily basis at numerous locations across the island, pharmacies will be charging around €10-15, Piera-Isseyegh said, but will be offering more speedy procedures than those currently being witnessed at rapid test spots, which are often marked by long queues.

Piera-Isseyegh said those wishing to get checked for the virus at pharmacies should give their pharmacy of choice a heads up, allowing time for preparation and for all safety measures to be taken. She added that pharmacies will be conducting rapid tests at outdoor spaces – possibly outside the pharmacy – with the result to be sent to the Health Ministry’s epidemiological surveillance team.

If someone turns out positive for coronavirus, pharmacists will be reaching out to the person with instructions to self-isolate and inform their GP as soon as any symptoms arise. Those with negative results will be issued a relevant certificate.