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SINGAPORE: Some of the COVID-19 rapid test kits under evaluation are showing “promising” results, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Monday (Oct 5), adding that Singapore hopes to implement alternative test methods in next months.
The implementation of rapid tests is one of the ways that Singapore can resume more activities, he noted.
“The increased testing facilitated by these rapid test kits, coupled with strengthened containment efforts, including contact tracing and adhering to appropriate secure management measures, have the potential to allow us to resume more activities, including industries related to travel and events on a larger scale, “Gan said in a written parliamentary response.
“We look forward to implementing some of these alternative tests in the coming months, as we work on practical ways to incorporate such rapid tests into our national COVID-19 response.”
Gan was responding to a question from Member of Parliament Sitoh Yih Pin, who asked for an estimated timeline on when a “viable” rapid COVID-19 test kit will be available and whether it will allow further activities to resume.
READ: Singapore scientists develop COVID-19 test method that delivers results in 36 minutes
Currently, the main mode of testing and sampling for COVID-19 in Singapore is known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Gan said that as new testing technologies become available, the Ministry of Health (MOH) “actively evaluates” these alternative tests to ensure they can be implemented safely and effectively.
“Key evaluation considerations include: combined clinical performance of the test and sampling method, ease of administration, throughput, overall response time when using the test, and cost,” he added.
Gan cautioned that while any test can help reduce transmission risks, it is not foolproof, as a negative test does not mean that a person is COVID-19 free.
“For example, an individual who may be incubating the virus might not be detected at the time of testing,” he said.
“Therefore, we must combine testing with contact tracing and other public health measures.”
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