A false reassurance : Health officials caution against widespread use of rapid antigen tests
Supermarket chain LIDL made headlines on Thursday when it announced it will stock rapid antigen testing kits in its stores. By Cónal Thomas Tuesday 11 May 2021, 6:00 AM Tue 6:00 AM 17,766 Views 45 Comments
Image: Shutterstock.com
Image: Shutterstock.com
SUPERMARKET CHAIN LIDL made headlines last week when it announced it will begin stocking rapid antigen testing kits in its stores.
It prompted public health officials like Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan to sound a warning about using these kits, which are less reliable than PCR tests.
While Government acknowledges that antigen testing is an additional measure in combating Covid-19, it is not a substitute for following public health advice, Holohan said.
Updated / Wednesday, 28 Apr 2021
10:35
Dr Mary Favier said meeting the target would take everyone pulling out all the stops
The Covid-19 lead for the Irish College of General Practitioners has said it would be optimistic to believe 82% of adults will have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of June.
Speaking on RTÉ s Today with Claire Byrne programme Dr Mary Favier, who is also a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team, said that achieving that target would take everyone pulling out all the stops .
Dr Favier said maintaining a high level of vaccination will be important to any easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
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The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine be given to people aged 70 and over.
Over 70s have so far only been given Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, following NIAC s initial advice to the Department of Health.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer will now issue a fresh recommendation to Government, which will likely pave the way for the AstraZeneca vaccine to be given to older people.
Immunology Professor at Trinity College Dublin Kingston Mills says the roll out of the vaccine should now speed up.