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LAST UPDATE | 21 Nov 2021
THE CHIEF MEDICAL officer has urged people with symptoms of Covid-19 not to take antigen tests.
Anyone with symptoms of the virus should instead isolate and book a PCR test online or through their GP, Dr Tony Holohan has said in a statement this morning.
His warning comes ahead of a Cabinet meeting next Tuesday, at which ministers are widely expected to sign off on plans to subsidise antigen tests.
But in his statement, the chief medical officer said, “A ‘negative’ antigen test result does not mean that you don’t have Covid-19 and you will still need to continue isolating and get a PCR test.”
“Unfortunately, our data suggests that the majority of people who are using antigen tests at present are symptomatic and that of those, the majority who get a ‘negative’ result are incorrectly assuming that this means they no longer have to self-isolate or get a PCR test – potentially placing many others at risk of Covid-19.”
He added, “You should only consider using an antigen test if you have NO symptoms of the disease and only as a further additional tool, along with all of the other public health measures, to effectively combat Covid-19.
“If this antigen test is ‘positive’ then you need to self-isolate and arrange a PCR test. If the antigen test is ‘negative’, you may still have the virus, and, therefore, you should continue to adhere to all other public health measures.”
Yesterday, RTÉ reported that Holohan had written to ministers last week, re-stating his belief that self-administered antigen tests could be used incorrectly, fueling a rise in virus cases.
On Saturday, public health officials confirmed 5,959 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. As of 8am yesterday, there were 640 Covid-19 patients in hospital, of whom 121 were receiving intensive care.
In his statement this morning, Holohan said the current level of Covid-19 in Ireland “is placing an enormous burden on our entire health system, from public health to general practice to our acute hospitals”.
Holohan said, “We are all, understandably, very tired of this pandemic.”
However, he added, “At high levels of transmission, we are very vulnerable to sudden, unsustainable surges of infection, such as we are seeing at the moment.
“It is for this reason that we must now ask people to continue to heed public health messages. We know that this call is more difficult to respond to now than at any time previously.”
He urged the public to follow the five main actions to reduce risk:
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The CMO has caused nothing but confusing and chaos regarding antigen testing in Ireland. How can people take him seriously at this stage. He should be forced to resign
@Daryl Walsh: not to mention the cervical smear controversy that he headed, his comments were unforgivable at the time
@Leon Lehane: wikipedia/Tony_Holohan
@Leon Lehane: The cervical smear scandel should disqualify this guy from ever giving medical advice again, why are we still listing to him?
@Daryl Walsh: sorry what? Only get an antigen test if you don’t have Covid symptoms?
Don’t trust the results of an Antigen test?
What’s the point of them then?? Why is the govt sending them to people’s homes if they’re inaccurate and not trustworthy? Are they only creating a false sense of security?
@Cian Martin: so you agree with Tony?
@Daryl Walsh: can you evidence one quote where he was inconsistent? Should be easy given your statement.
Just one will do.
Bet you can’t + bet you won’t
@Daryl Walsh: not for me, clear from the start! Its other non experts weighing in that confuse things!
@Patrick Murphy: what did he do? genuine question
@Cian Martin: They are useful in catching asymptomatic cases where the asymptomatic person would have no reason to test because they obviously, have no symptoms!……. If you have symptoms them it should be a PCR test as they’re more accurate. If someone who has symptoms takes an antigen test which throws up a false negative, that can create the “false sense of security” and lead to more spread which is why symptomatic should go for PCR. Although people should be abiding by the guidelines anyway…….. Point of antigen test use is to stop asymptomatic spread by regular testing that would otherwise never be caught/the person never goes for a test. Only about 50%/60% accurate but thats alot of covid stopped and if tested regularly it should increase those odds. Another tool in the battle!
@Marie Broomfield: absolutely. I 100% agree.
@Daryl Walsh: WHY DO I HAVE TO GET A BOOSTER JAB FROM THE DOCTOR BECAUSE IM OVER 70 ? Don’t have to in the UKO
@Daryl Walsh: they don’t want you bypassing the HSE and all the €€€. Wouldn’t be surprised if the delay with subsidised antigen is while a nice contract is agreed with a buddy.
@Mikey Richard:
This virus thrives on misinformation… Can you verify your claims?
@Cowboy Ted: The virus isn’t a sentient being. The virus doesn’t thrive on anything.
Out tonight with the intention of having a rare, safe socially distanced meeting with a couple of friends. Pub in Dame St all seats full, no covid cert checking, no contact details taken. HSE guidelines with no enforcement absolutely pointless. Going into hiberation until January. Publicans / Nightclubs contiously whinging about victimisation. Someone needs to take onwership of the situation.
@Jim Byrne: just be thankful yer not still going to primary school jim. Enjoy your hibernation all the same.
@Jim Byrne: dont go out then. Did u go out with the intention of watching everything and then tut tutting… I’m sure you’ve rang and reported that pub.. like a good little lad.
@Jim Byrne: You should report them
@Jim Byrne: i had the same experience last week, no checks and no mask requirments. I agree, mostly the reason there is a lackadaisical approach is the difference in the disease between vaccinated and unvaccinated. There are not enough reports between the two. How many vaccinated and how many unvaccinated are in icu or are hospitalised. In this age of information we need to know. Maybe then we all can be logical, instead of being suspect in the decision to be either for or against the vaccine.
@Jim Byrne: maybe that’s because pubs are not setup for this? People walking freely out to smoking area. Everyone has a “cert” they would need to I’d and the cert needs visual check… Its not the most user friendly trying to pick out name etc. Then ask for I’d. They would need 2/3 people checking this all night. On top of this we have 95% vaccination. About 1% of the 5 can’t take the vax due to medical reasons…they are isolating themselves and can’t go to the pub. Whether they are making any differance in the current transmission rate is highly debatable. Gov could have introduced a scanning app that could be used to track and trace. Instead the set up a flawed system and will sit back and blame the pub industry at the end of the day…….
@Jim Byrne: Abosolutly correct.
@Matt: But we do know, the information is reported, its generally 2 out of every 3 in icu unvaccinated
@Jim Byrne: people like you shouldn’t go out. Do everyone a favour and stay in doors. Living comes with risks. The only way to mitigate them is to become a hermit as you said and even at that, it carries its own risks. The rest of the world won’t miss you when you become a recluse. This bashing of venues as they don’t do this and that is pathetic. The Lord saviour CMO said to immediately leave a venue if they don’t ask for details so I hope you left.
@Jim Byrne: was talking to a mate of mine yesterday that works in the industry, the expectation is that the government will close down the pubs in 2 weeks for 6 weeks to get a handle on the numbers.
@Frankie J: is that like the texts that went around before the first lockdown that the military was on stand by to take over?
@Pádraigín O’Sirideáin: do u not like hearing the truth any pub or night club not adhereing to the guidelines at this stage should be reported & then why anyone would want to be in an unsafe pub is another question
He’s making perfect sense but they need to make sure PCR tests are available in a timely fashion for symptomatic individuals. Tried to book one Friday evening for my smallie but couldn’t get one until Sunday morning. I tried the two neighbouring counties but no tests there either. Neither of us work from home so one of us will then need a day off to mind her on Monday. If it had fallen mid-week we would have needed 3 days off. It’s her third test since starting pre-school in September!! It’s going to be a long winter at this rate!
@Raymond Scott: copied and pasted from an earlier post pumping out misinformation.
@Raymond Scott: we do not have the most cases stop with the scare mongering .The UK has more cases than ourselves.
@Mick Dunne: I think Germany are reporting higher numbers as well
The Irish medical hierarchy are determined there will be no self diagnose, the precedent will take money out of their pockets, everything must be paid for
@Leon Lehane: Well of course everything must be paid for, nothing is free in this life, is it? Would you do YOUR job for no payment? The tests must be officially registered otherwise how would we know how many people have the virus.
@Rose Brien Harrington: the numbers registered are pie in the sky. People wake up.
@Rose Brien Harrington: Covid is free but we all seem to be paying for it for some reason…
@Leon Lehane: Noel Browne history(Ireland) post 22 repeating it’s self.
@William Tallon: omg!!!!! I have no words
Here we go again, is this fella for real!
Look, I’ve done antigen test’s, with symptoms and without symptoms, at the end of the day, to me they just give you a directive, whether to go forward for a pcr test or not, nearly two years into this you would think him, mister snake oil and mister ( I think we’ve been naive) deGascun would have a better grasp on this!
@Sean Whelan: eh, that’s what he’s saying… They do not tell you NOT to go for one if you are symptomatic. If you are symptomatic you should be getting a PCR test regardless of the antigen result.
@Sean Whelan: come on Sean – keep up
Having to go to super value or an Applegreen garage and pay € 5.99 for an atengen test Tony means most people will never bother. Especially when feeling well. It looks like the people of the country are on their own at this moment in time. Sure there’s always next Tuesday.
@Paul Gorry: see you next Tuesday
Time for Hulahoop to step aside — being on National TV every night has gone to his head
@Eric C. O’Brien: he’ll be in the jungle next year with the other celebs
@Mark: that’s horrible. That man lost his wife through all this and he’s still out front, trying to advise people who don’t want to listen. You’re not funny.
@Anna Carr: what has losing his wife got to do with any of this? And most people tend to have to go back to work after such an event.
@Mikey Richard: true, but most people’s jobs don’t consist of banging your head against a brick wall daily with people calling you horrible names and mocking everything you say.
Why does everyone focus on antigen tests? What the CMO is “advising” (it’s not law, its just advice to help curb COVID) is to isolate and get a PCR test if symptomatic, and use an antigen test if not symptomatic but have been in close contact or e.g. If planning a medium or high risk activity. PCR is much more accurate and therefore more reliable when confirming if a person has COVID v all the other common but less infectious viruses that are around. Yes it would be great if there was instant access to PCR testing but for most people the wait is 24 to 48 hours. Antigen tests are much less accurate, especially when self administered, and hence less reliable. which would you opt for?
@Mark Campbell: in ireland this time of year 50% of people are asymptotic…. Colds and coughs and sore throats. That’s how our natural immunity works by constant exposure…..
@Mark Campbell: and remember that close contact without symptoms get five free antigen tests from the HSE three of which are administered two days apart and two spare. However I think that if visiting an elderly or vulnerable person then an antigen test, instead of no test, would be useful on top of vaccination cert if visiting an institution. I think people fail to understand that if you have symptoms then a negative antigen test does not mean that you do not have covid – which is the issue being stressed and something many of the comments here do fail to grasp.
” Only use one if you don’t have covid symptoms ” That’s ridi***ous
@Colette Kearns: you clearly don’t understand the point he was making and the logic behind it.
@Colette Kearns: I presume he means if you’ve been caught in a situation with crowds/no masks or no social distancing, you may be concerned, so then get an antigen test. It’s quite clear really, to those who don’t want to rubbish Tony at every turn and want to keep regurgitating the cervical smear debacle, which of course Tony tested every sample and deliberately gave false readings. The labs he was hiring to do these tests are completely blameless.
@Colette Kearns: that is correct – use only of you have no symptoms. In groups of people with no symptoms negative antigen tests tend to confirm that a person is covid free. In a group of people with symptoms antigen tests miss many infections and are therefore considered unreliable in eliminating covid infections in people with symptoms. This is why one should use only if one has no symptoms. Is that hard to understand, it does seem so judging by many comments here.
We’re all getting tired of him! Only take an antigen test if you have no symptoms? What’s he on about?
@David O Neill: science
@David O Neill: Read it again and ask someone with a small bit of intelligence to explain it to you.
@Kinsaleable: lol. Well said
@David O Neill: He is on about science and testing. If you want to visit your 105 y/o granny, take a test if you feel well. Negative test = go see granny. If you have any symptoms, do not visit her but get a PCR test and isolate. It make perfect sense. If you are coughing your lung up and get negative antigen test, you may well be covid positive and put your 105 y/o granny in an early grave.
This lad loves the sound of his own voice. The minister for health needs to put this fellow back in his box. Totally confusing messages being sent out to the public. Antigen tests are fantastic to take on a regular basis as they will pick up cases in asymptotic people. IF they are positive OR if you have symptoms then get a PCR to diagnose. It’s very simple. This fellow is treating us like a bunch of simpletons.
@a: do you not see from a sample of the comment and lack of understanding here that we are saturated with simpletons? He gives advice using the available information. The information may change as further research produces more results meaning the advice will change. Its a fundamental marriage of science and public health advice.
@a: that’s literally what he said though, so what’s the issue?
@a: if your issue is that he is explaining something you feel should be obvious, read many of the comments on here
What planet is nephet on.So Houla make it up is telling people who are fully vaccinated and showing no symptoms are to use the Antigen test
@Mick Dunne: I think most people with a small touch of intelligence and cop on understand the reasoning behind his advice…
@Mick Dunne: they seem to all get opportunities to go on telly and give their own personal views. One lad will be on sayin everyone is terrible and should go to bed until next summer. Another will come on and say kids are immune and not a part of any of all this, and another will come on sayin tests are actually useless. It’s chaos. We need good advice from a trustworthy source, and nphet don’t offer that.
Aunty Jen doesn’t know whether she’s coming or going this week!
Tony’s at the wheel!
Next he will be telling us, Only use paracetamol if you don’t have a headache.
@Odd Socks: you are clearly missing the point.. and advertising it
Time for Hulahoop to step aside — being on National TV every night has gone to his head
Antigen test are €3 in dunnes stores
The Journal love a good COVID story.
Yer Mad Tony.
Let me get this straight, I’m going to go taking tests when I feel well and if I don’t then I book in for a different test.
How many of these tests will I do when I feel okay? Hourly, Daily.
@Bluechip78:
how accurate are antigen tests,I have heard 98% which is high does anyone know ?
@Ann Morris Doolan: Their accuracy detecting are negative is quite high 99% typically. But unfortunately if you do have COVID they will be inaccurate as much as half the time, which is one reason why you 3 or more tests are used. Good summary here: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests
This lad is an ar$ehole
@Marc: there are a good few showing themselves around here but he ain’t one of them
@Kinsaleable: is that you Tony?
@xDemo17: no. I’m simply a person who knows to listen to those that are better educated in a particular field than I am. I don’t do my research on YouTube
@Kinsaleable: a particlar field? Isnt tony a gp and viruses are not his field? Listening to experts doesn’t help all the time mate, tonys advice on mask wearing and advice on nurseing homes come to mind.
What is wrong with this guy
Some people wear masks to cover their mouth only.
what’s the point, is being $tup1d the new rebellion?
They only give an indication and the CMO and others are merely pointing to that. Put it this way, if you were symptomatic and booked a COVID test with the HSE and when you turned up at the test centre they offered you a choice of test “we can stick a qtip up your nostril and swab your throat, then send your swabs to a lab for a very accurate test at no cost or you can take this antigen test yourself and use this reasonably accurate measuring device yourself”
Dr Tony should also have a placard behind him saying “wearing a mask below your nose is not helping.”
Why aren’t people, specifically journalists, accepting this sound advice from the chief medical officer. Antigen tests do not always pick up positive cases.
Should never have been kept on after the cervical smear debacle and subsequents deaths. But here he has now upgraded from a 5 star M*R*N to a 10 stR M*R*N
@Rhoda Cunningham: that was quick
Tony and his team have never been wrong before.
He is a first class mron
I am full vaccinated btw
He is a 5 star M*R*N
No Available PCR tests in most of Ireland for 2 days…
Incompetence
Stop listening to him. He makes no sense.
Why if I’m over 70 have to get a booster from the doctor ??
Oh well. I have no symptoms of HIV but should I get tested for that? Ridiculous advice from someone in power.
So why does the ECDC say that antigen tests are effective from up to 5 days from symptom onset? https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/options-use-rapid-antigen-tests-covid-19-eueea-first-update
What kind of BS is this. Only consider doing an antigen test if you have no symptoms ???.why would anyone test themselves if they have no symptoms ?? What would be the point ??? More confusion from the self professed experts
have your say