You can soon purchase a do-it-yourself Covid-19 test kit over the counter at pharmacies in Singapore as the country implements a strategy to test faster and more "liberally and extensively" in order to curb the virus from spreading further.
On 31 May (Monday), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's speech addressed that the new alternative to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test will be less uncomfortable and easier to use.
The aim of these tests is to detect and isolate people quickly when they are most infectious, to slow down the spread of Covid-19. People will be able to purchase them if they are feeling unwell, or want to take extra precaution and be safe.
PM Lee said that frontline workers can self-administer these tests if they wish to test themselves frequently, or even daily. Other already existing alternatives to the PCR test include the antigen rapid test (AGT), which is being used for pre-event testing due to faster results. The Covid-19 breathalyzer tests, which process results in a minute, are being used at the Causeway and Changi Airport.
With different types of Covid-19 tests becoming available, more people will be able to test themselves and take extra precaution. With this, we hope that the situation does get better in Singapore while everyone plays their part to curb the spread of Covid-19. Take care and stay safe!