From now on it can get expensive. Since yesterday, unvaccinated people have to pay for their corona tests themselves. This is the only way to get to a football game or a restaurant. However, a negative test result does not always prove that a person is not infected with Corona. Because the rapid tests in particular are unreliable.
A study by the Inselspital in Bern came to the conclusion that the rapid nasopharyngeal tests, in which the stick is pushed through the nose to the back of the throat, only detect the corona virus in four out of ten infected people. Nasal tests, in which the stick is inserted only two centimeters into the nose, are more comfortable for those affected, but are likely to be even less reliable. The Bern Corona special staff estimates that only two out of ten infected people can be detected without symptoms.
Should bad tests be banned?
The canton of Bern therefore advises against rapid nasal tests. The canton of Zurich is moving in a similar direction. So far, the federal government has taken the position that they do not want to ban the tests because they are also recognized in the EU and they do not want to discriminate against the Swiss population when it comes to the certificate.
Does it make sense? Or should the unreliable tests be banned?
At 2 p.m. Patrick Mathys from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Bern canton doctor Linda Nartey comment on these questions. Blick and Blick TV will report live from the media conference. (til)