Rapid tests do not shorten quarantine or isolation
There has been some misunderstanding that a negative rapid test (self-test) can lift quarantine or even lift the isolation of a person with COVID-19. Rapid tests can neither replace nor shorten quarantine or isolation.
Rapid tests (self-tests) do not shorten quarantine or isolation.
There has been some misunderstanding that a negative rapid test (self-test) can lift quarantine or even lift the isolation of a person with COVID-19. Rapid tests can neither replace nor shorten quarantine or isolation.
See the announcement on the website of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.
The Chief Medical Officer reminds us of the following, but the regulation on quarantine and isolation can be found here (with change):
- Quarantine for close contact with a case lasts for at least 7 days and ends with a PCR test; a barcode is sent to the individual the evening before the quarantine is due to end.
- Isolation due to infection generally lasts for 14 days and ends with discharge from the COVID clinic.
The Chief Medical Officer also wishes to reiterate that self-tests are a type of rapid test which are performed and the results interpreted by individuals themselves, and their quality is generally lower than that of rapid tests performed by trained personnel. The sensitivity of self-tests is therefore often lower than that of other rapid tests, which means there is a significant chance of a negative result (the virus is not detected) even if the individual is infected with COVID-19. The most reliable tests for detecting COVID-19 are still PCR tests. The Chief Medical Officer does not recommend the use of self-tests at this time, especially given the good availability of other rapid tests and PCR tests in this country.
Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 should always take a PCR test (even if a rapid test is negative).