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SINGAPORE – The cost of rapid Covid-19 tests has dropped from $ 80 per person when the test kits were first implemented, to less than $ 50 now, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday (4 from January).
He added that rapid antigen testing costs, which include operating and labor costs, are likely to be reduced further.
“Over time, we can look forward to more innovative rapid test kits that are cheaper, faster and more convenient to administer,” Wong told Parliament in a ministerial statement on Singapore’s response to the pandemic.
“These will allow us to carry out tests in a more extensive and convenient way, to detect positive cases and protect our population in a more comprehensive way.”
The rapid antigen test complements the more sensitive, but slower, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
Mr. Wong noted how concerns had arisen among various groups when Singapore first implemented the tests in a meaningful way. Some people thought it would be a nuisance, he said, while others felt there would be a stigma associated with identification for testing.
“But I hope that by now we can all appreciate and understand the reasons why testing is important and necessary.”
He stressed that frequent and widespread testing is a major enabler for Singapore and will intensify in the coming months. Singaporeans need to start getting used to the idea that regular testing is a part of their lives during the pandemic, he said.
At present, anyone who sees a doctor with an acute respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms will be recommended to undergo a PCR test, Wong said.
On average, more than 14,000 people were tested each week in December. This is how several recent cases were collected, he added.
“It is very important that anyone who feels unwell see a doctor immediately,” Wong said. “And if the doctor advises you to get tested, follow the doctor’s instructions.”
The minister, who co-chairs the multi-ministerial working group in charge of tackling the crisis, also stressed the importance of sticking to safe management measures even as Singapore enters phase three of its reopening.
“Unfortunately, there are some who persist in trying their luck and ignoring the rules,” he said. “We have intensified controls during the holiday period. Strong enforcement actions have been and will continue to be taken against any non-compliance.”
He urged Singaporeans to maintain the good habits cultivated over the past few months, such as wearing masks, practicing good hygiene, washing their hands regularly, and not touching their face with their hands.
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