Status: 09.02.2022 9:50 p.m
Going directly to the PCR test station because the warning app lights up red should no longer be possible in the future. According to the Ministry of Health, those affected should first do a rapid antigen test. The aim is to relieve the laboratories.
According to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, fears that the PCR tests could become scarce in view of the increasing number of corona cases have not been confirmed. He has already announced that citizens should still be entitled to a free PCR test after a positive rapid test.
But against the background of the dwindling laboratory capacities, the Ministry of Health is planning restrictions. According to the draft of the new test regulation, which dem ARD Capital Studio is available, PCR tests should only be carried out if there is a positive antigen rapid test from a test station. A red warning message on the app is no longer sufficient for a PCR test.
Lauterbach told the editorial network Germany: “At the peak of the pandemic, we use PCR tests more specifically.” According to the ministry, they should essentially be concentrated on cases where positive results can be expected.
The aim is to keep an eye on the pandemic, to protect vulnerable groups in particular and to give people certainty who have positive rapid tests. “Anyone who needs certainty about an infection will get it,” emphasized Lauterbach.
Free testing in the future with an antigen rapid test
In addition, a monitored rapid antigen test will in future generally be sufficient for free testing, i.e. the premature termination of isolation or quarantine.
In laboratory evaluations, priority should be given to PCR tests on high-risk patients and people in facilities such as nursing homes, practices, clinics and emergency services. However, they too must first have a positive antigen rapid test.
In a first draft of the regulation, it was still planned to initially suspend the entitlement to a follow-up test after a positive self-test or quick test at a test station. Lauterbach spoke of a “change in position” on this point. According to him, the existing capacity for PCR tests would also be sufficient if a daily number of up to 450,000 new corona infections were reached. “And I don’t think we will achieve that.”