Antigen tests can now be imported for personal use. The policy was reviewed and adjusted by the Ministry of Health this week.
However, it is important to note that there are many fake antigen tests on the market, so the Department of Health will maintain, in collaboration with HM Customs, an oversight role to check and protect importers from fake goods.
Antigen tests are a rapid screening tool, and a positive antigen result should be followed up immediately with a confirmatory test by PCR. Antigen tests cannot be used to second-guess public health instructions to quarantine or isolate. Public Health tests are based on PCR test results or a risk assessments by the Ministry of Health Officers.
It is hoped that the public can use antigen kits for personal use to empower themselves (whether vaccinated or not) to protect vulnerable persons in their midst, for example, before visiting an elderly relative or before attending a social gathering with loved ones.