During the COVID-19 press briefing of NEOC, Dr Cameron Wilkinson, Medical Chief of Staff at the Joseph N. France General Hospital (JNF) and Acting Chief Medical Officer, pointed that the Rapid Antigen Test would be now utilised widely in the coming days across the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. Further, Dr Wilkinson highlighted that the result came as the science on the use of the Antigen test has considerably advanced over recent time.
Dr Wilkinson said, “We believe that we may soon be able to use the Antigen test in some of these conditions. If for example there was an outbreak in the prison or an outbreak in a nursing home, instead of in the past where you would have had to do a PCR- Test on 100 inmates, you can do the Antigen test on the 100 inmates back in a very short space and time and plan what other measures you want to take. If there is a suspected outbreak in a school, you can test the class right away and get the information to determine whether or not you need to take out one or two kids, and the classes can continue.”
The Ministry of Health is informing the primary usage of Antigen testing for finding a case, outbreak search and monitor courses. The PCR- test would be widely used for contact tracing, and the government stated that only World Health Organization approved Antigen test kits will be allowed to use on the island.
Dr Wilkinson also highlighted that a new drug is getting prepared known as Molnupiravir this would be put for approval and further permission for using it by the United States Food and Drugs Association (FDA). This new pill will significantly aid in the fight against COVID-19 by providing another means of protection against the deadly virus.
