Doha: The Ministry of Public Health has approved the use of rapid antigen test for Covid-19 in approved public and private centres, for the following categories:
- For persons under 50 years of age and who show symptoms of Covid-19
- For people under the age of 50 who have been in contact with people who have tested COVID-19 positive.
- For travelers returning to Qatar who need to conduct Covid-19 tests after returning from travel.
The rapid antigen test provides a rapid and accurate examination for the detection of Covid-19.
The test requires taking a nasal swab from the individual and the result appears within a short period of time.
The Ministry also indicated that people who have tested positive in the rapid antigen test do not need to undergo an additional PCR test.
People over the age of 50 who show symptoms or have been in contact with people infected with Covid-19 will be subjected to a PCR test.
The policy amendment and the adoption of the rapid antigen test will be effective from Wednesday, January 5, 2022, as this will allow people in Qatar to take the test and confirm their results quickly.
Starting Wednesday, January 5, the results of rapid antigen tests that are performed in PHCC health centers will be sent to individuals via SMS within 2 hours of the test. The results will also appear in the Ehteraz app no later than 4 hours after the test.
The results of rapid antigen tests that are conducted in private medical facilities will be reflected on the Ehteraz application, as of Monday, January 10, 2022.
As for contacts of infected people who are asymptomatic and who received the booster dose or the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine within the past four months as well as those under 50 years of age and do not suffer from any chronic diseases, have the option to undergo a rapid antigen test if they wish, knowing that MoPH does not require them to take the test due to their high level of immunity against the virus.
However, these people must continue to adhere to precautionary measures and wear a mask, in accordance with policy of the Ministry.
The Ministry also stated that the test applies to contacts who are unvaccinated, who did not receive the booster dose, or who received the second dose more than 4 months ago, as well as people 50 years of age or older and people with chronic diseases.
It further stated that those under the age of 50 can undergo a rapid antigen test, and those 50 and older should have a PCR test.
