Germans redeemed rapid COVID-19 tests in a matter of hours



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All shares are reported to have been redeemed within hours.

Meanwhile, rival network Lidl reported that its website was running out of traffic when the network offered to buy tests online.

“We want to reassure everyone who came out empty-handed that new supplies will be available in the coming days,” an Aldi spokesperson told Bild.

The German government believes that rapid tests will be crucial in the next phase of the pandemic, as the country’s population is already tired of restrictive measures and vaccination rates remain slow.

Starting Monday, all Germans will be entitled to one free rapid test per week by a professional at designated pharmacies or research centers.

Several manufacturers have also received approval for the self-diagnostic tests developed.

The goal of this measure is to give people more freedom after months of quarantine and communication restrictions, but experts stressed that rapid tests are less reliable than routine PCR tests and that routine hygiene measures must be followed. even after a negative result.

Aldi allowed one person to purchase a pack of five tests for € 24.99. The test is performed by touching the nasal mucosa with a swab and the result is obtained in 15 minutes.

Lidl’s offer is similar and costs € 21.99.

Rapid COVID-19 test

Rapid COVID-19 test

© Imago / Scanpix

The tests will also go on sale in major pharmacy chains and other outlets in the coming days.

Health Minister Jens Spahn, who has already received much criticism for the slow vaccination in Germany, has promised that there will be rapid tests “more than enough” for everyone, including 50 million. free surveys per month.

Still, critics question whether local authorities are prepared to meet the huge demand.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig said supermarkets are better prepared than the federal government.

“I don’t see why the big retailers are selling the big tests, but they are going to order them for kindergartens and schools,” he said.

Germany has been trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks, but in recent days the numbers are stagnant or even increasing.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, there were 9,557 new infections and 300 deaths in Germany on Saturday.

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