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THE IRISH PHARMACY UNION and the HSE have entered preliminary talks about the distribution of antigen tests to the wider public, The Journal understands.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said this week that he wants to “develop a culture of self-testing” which would mean regular testing by members of the public.
He said that antigen testing will be a “further weapon” in the Government’s armoury to deal with the current wave of Covid.
Yesterday, the first batches of antigen test kits arrived in post boxes around the country to those deemed close contacts.
As the Government ramps up use of the rapid testing method, it is understood it is currently assessing how best to distribute antigen tests to the wider public.
Government sources state that the question being asked now is how to make antigen tests widely available to people and how to educate members of the public on how to use them.
While all options are understood to be under consideration, senior sources have said that supplying antigen tests to the public through pharmacies “is the way to go”.
In a statement to The Journal, the IPU confirmed that it has had “preliminary discussions” with the HSE regarding the role of pharmacies in antigen testing.
“These talks are at a very early stage,” said the statement.
The IPU went on to say:
“Antigen tests are now widely available in pharmacies across Ireland and have the potential to play a key role in the management of the pandemic in the coming months.
Community pharmacies are available, as they have been throughout the pandemic, to support any public health requirements including the distribution of antigen tests were that to be recommended and required.
“Antigen tests available in pharmacies complement existing measures and can provide added reassurance as society continues to reopen.”
Ireland currently has over two million antigen tests in stock in the country. The State has the ability to buy around 500,000 more per week.
It is understood that a significant amount of rapid tests have already been ordered.
The UK model of self-testing is believed to be one that is being looked at by officials.
Rapid lateral flow test kits can be sent to your home in the UK if you order a test through the government’s website.
Members of the public can also pick up two packs of seven rapid tests from their local pharmacy.
By giving the pharmacy a ‘collect code’, a person can pick up the tests, the NHS website states.
If such a system was rolled out in Ireland, it is not yet clear if the tests would be free of charge, with one source stating that there could be a “nominal fee” for the items.
There will be no requirement – legal or otherwise – to use antigen tests, however the public will be encouraged to use them if they are attending events such as a concert or sporting event, or any other gathering where they would feel better having taken a rapid test.
The Taoiseach said this week that a communications campaign around how to properly use antigen tests will be launched soon.
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Bit late to the party lads…… Its only lives and overburdening the health system thats at stake like!
Lidl were selling them probably about a year ago!
Meanwhile in other jurisdictions you just go online, enter details and 5 tests arrive in the post the following day…
What!!!! Distributing snake oil…well holy god.
The horse is on another continent at this stage, shocking stuff!
Bit late on these…they have been giving them away for months in the UK
They need to do something about the price, I work in a primary school so have done loads of tests. 7€ a pop is too expensive to be doing regularly. .
Well never had a test through all this fiasco and have no intention of ever taking a test, besides that I do not recognize this Government are it’s medical experts, as it seems none of them are acting in the interest of the Irish people, but instead are acting for globalists pharmaceuticals the sections of the EU ruled by Ursula Van der Leyen, fascists entities who’s main aim is control over people when there is talk about, get a vaccine then get a Vax pass for freedom, that is not freedom people already have that the pass is taking away freedoms like the words of a song, the freedom they are offering is to state Freedom is just another word for nothing left to loose, so whether jabbed are not jabbed people should not except these passes are digital currency, which is the ultimate goal in all this carry on.
@JK: what a total imb.ci.e you are.
Of course they’ll charge for them here!!!
Way too late!
In your local pharmacy… at €7.50 a pop!
Last year the PSI told pharmacy’s not to sell Antigen tests as they were not accurate.
Now they’re telling pharmacy’s to sell them.
They should be free, pharmacy’s are making 50% margin on these, some more than that.(bulk buy etc)
The government should have just gave them out to people who need them since last year like the UK
have your say