News

Antigua and Barbuda announces new COVID-19 testing protocols

The government of Antigua and Barbuda announced the new COVID-19 protocols related to the tests of the pandemic and drooped all the necessary restrictions in the country. 

Antigua and Barbuda: The government of Antigua and Barbuda announced the new COVID-19 protocols related to the tests of the pandemic and drooped all the necessary restrictions in the country. 

Here is the full list of the COVID-19 protocols in Antigua and Barbuda

Effective June 27 2022, RT-PCR tests will no longer be required for confirmation of COVID-19 disease in persons who test positive by an approved rapid antigen test.

This new update on the COVID-19 Testing Protocol released from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is based on Antigua and Barbuda’s current COVID-19 epidemiological situation, in addition to recommendations from the Pan America Health Organization’s (PAHO) Epidemiological Alert on the Rational Use of COVID-19 Diagnostic tests and the Caribbean Epidemiology Center’s (CARPHA) Interim Guidance for the Selection of Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection.

There still remains, however, situations in which RT-PCR should be used:

  • When there is a negative rapid antigen test result in a person with a high suspicion of COVID-19 disease. For example:
  • Persons who are suspected or probable COVID-19 cases of COVID-19
  • Close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
  • An inconclusive rapid antigen test
  • All cases require hospitalization due to respiratory symptoms.
  • All persons require hospital admissions.

The Ministry of Health reminds all health care providers that COVID-19 has been declared a dangerous infectious disease. Therefore, it is a legal requirement that all cases are reported to the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit at epi.surveillance@ab.gov.ag. Failure to do so can result in fines in accordance with the Public Health Act (6).

Approved SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests :

  • Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena GmbH
  • Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test SD Biosensor, Inc
  • BD Veritor System for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Becton, Dickson and Company (BD)
  • BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Abbott Diagnostic Scarborough, Inc.

 

Share
Anglina Byron

Published by
Anglina Byron

Recent Posts

Barbados stages Foursquare Circuit road race with 56 competitors, know deets

Barbados Cycling Union’s Foursquare Circuit road race was staged on Sunday morning with 56 competitors… Read More

3 hours ago

India: Kantara screened at Pathe Balexert theatre Geneva, Rishab Shetty announces its prequel

"Kantara"- a blockbuster film from Kannada (India) production has received the screening in the Pathe… Read More

4 hours ago

Barbados hosts Secondary School Inter School Championships, know results

Barbados hosted the Secondary School Inter School Championships including various sporting events such as Long… Read More

4 hours ago

Antigua and Barbuda to host “Art Week”, announces calendar of events

Antigua and Barbuda is all set to host “Art Week” from April 17 to April… Read More

5 hours ago

Saint Lucia: Ernest Hilaire attends Investiture Ceremony, congratulates awardees

Ernest Hilaire- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism attended the Investiture Ceremony - Order… Read More

5 hours ago

MEP Elena Kountoura lauds government of Alexis Tsipras in Greece

Elena Kountoura- a Member of the European Parliament, lauded the government of Alexis Tsipras. She… Read More

6 hours ago

KNOW HERE: “Celebrate Romance in Dominica” offers special package to couples

The Ministry of Tourism of Dominica invited the couple to "Celebrate Romance in Dominica" with… Read More

6 hours ago

Dominica State College becomes champion of 2023 U20 cricket tournament

Dominica State College became the champion of the 2023 Schools Under 20 cricket tournament on… Read More

10 hours ago

Interpol takes back red corner notice against Mehul Choksi

The Indian Fugitive Mehul Choksi finally succeeded in getting rid of Interpol’s Red Corner Notice. Read More

21 hours ago

Guyana: Kid Fest set to host Dinosaur Adventure 2023, know deets

Kid Fest 592 is all set to present Dinosaur Adventure 2023 from April 9, 2023,… Read More

1 day ago