Singapore has developed an event testing approach to make possible large events, weddings, and conferences. The pilot program will run from late October until December will utilize antigen rapid tests (ARTs) for the pre-event testing, which can return “fairly accurate” results within about half an hour, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The ART results will be valid for 24 hours from the time of the swab, and it must be valid at the point of entry until the end of the event, said MOH in a technical briefing on the matter. According to MOH officials: “If you go for a multi-day event, you would then require daily testing, with that cert being valid for 24 hours. However, if you’re attending multiple events within a 24-hour window, that same cert will gain you access to multiple events if you’re negative.”
Individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 and have recovered will be exempted from the pre-event testing within “a recent enough window” that ensures they are likely to be immune or protected from infection – for example, 180 days from the first positive PCR test, said MOH at the technical briefing.
Individuals who test positive on the ART at pre-entry testing must self-isolate and go for a PCR confirmatory swab, receiving referral forms that can be used to redeem the swab free of charge at clinics and regional screening centres, said the ministry. They also must not leave their place of isolation until they receive a negative PCR result, except to go for the test or seek medical attention.
For the full story: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-pre-event-testing-pilot-antigen-rapid-october-13321094