From April 12, it will be possible to purchase self-tests for Covid-19. Free for some, paying to say, capped price, points of sale … We tell you everything there is to know.
As of Monday, April 12, 2021, it will be possible to purchase self-testing for Covid-19. They work by nasal sampling, are “less invasive” than others and do not need to be performed by a healthcare professional. Authorized to allow more tests, they are reserved for people over 15 and asymptomatic people.
Where to buy a self-test?
A decree from the Ministry of Health published this Sunday, April 11 in the Official Journal authorizes the sale of these self-tests in pharmacies. They “will gradually be deployed in thousands of pharmacies throughout the week”, declares Olivier Véran at Sunday newspaper. Note that their sale on the Internet is prohibited.
In addition to pharmacies, self-tests “will be quickly made available in schools”, adds the Minister of Health. If schools are currently closed for at least two more weeks, he is considering “to go up to two tests per week, per pupil and per teacher”.
What is the price of a self-test?
The price of the self-tests will be regulated. From April 12 to May 15, they cannot cost more than 6 euros. Beyond mid-May, their price should not exceed 5.20 euros.
Who will be entitled to free self-tests?
The self-tests will be chargeable for the majority of citizens, but they can also be delivered free of charge for certain professionals. By presenting proof, home employees working with elderly or disabled people and family carers accompanying these groups will be able to benefit from their free service.
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Confirmation by RT-PCR in the event of a positive result
By giving the green light to self-tests on March 16, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) specified that people who obtain a positive result must have it confirmed by an RT-PCR test. This was confirmed by Minister Olivier Véran in the JDD, which explains : “You can test yourself at home and, in the event of a positive result, you will have to confirm it by PCR. Not only to check if there is a variant, but also to keep a tracking tool ” of the infected person.
Melody Capronnier
Journalist passionate about current affairs, committed to women’s rights and ecology, Mélodie handles the news for you on Sundays and public holidays. When she’s not on the lookout …