Free Covid-19 tests extended until end of month
The extension of the reimbursement of rapid antigen tests for professional use until the end of August implies that they are prescribed by the SNS and do not cost the State more than €10.
Portugal’s government has extended the reimbursement term of rapid antigen tests for professional use to Covid-19, prescribed by the country’s health service (SNS), until the end of August, according to an order published this Wednesday in the Official Gazette.
The extension of the reimbursement of rapid antigen tests for professional use until the end of August implies that they are prescribed by the SNS and do not cost the State more than €10.
“Although the epidemiological situation has shown some stabilisation, given the importance of diagnostic tests for screening SARS-CoV-2 infection (…) for the purposes of referral of symptomatic persons and early detection of confirmed cases, it is important to ensure the continued validity of the exceptional and temporary scheme, continuing to ensure access and implementation” of the tests, according to the order.
The order came into force on Monday and will remain in force until August 31 “without prejudice to its possible extension”.
The performance of screening tests for Covid-19 takes place in pharmacies, duly registered in the Registration System of Regulated Establishments of the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) and the National System for Epidemiological Surveillance (SINAVE), and duly registered and qualified with the National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed).
Between July 19 and 25, Portugal recorded 29,277 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections, 72 deaths associated with Covid-19 and maintained the decrease in hospitalisations, according to the DGS’ latest weekly epidemiological report.
