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IATF backs pilot study on antigen tests for border screening
The Philippines’ COVID-19 task force has approved the conduct of a pilot study on the use of rapid antigen tests for border screening.
The pilot study will cover inter-zonal travel considering “cross-border differences in quarantine status and the prevalence level of transmission,” according to the resolution passed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on Thursday.
Specialized programs of the Department of Tourism were also included in the pilot study.
“The IATF is looking at using this in one city for border screening
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“This means that if you get tested by the border, using a rapid antigen test and you turn out negative, after three to five days, you have to be tested again to be sure you did not develop any symptom.”
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque described the antigen testing as a “game-changer” because it can provide results in minutes.
However, Vergeire said this test cannot be used on asymptomatic patients because it might yield false positive or false negative results. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ/KBK, GMA News