Vienna has been gurgling for months – from today this is also possible across the board in Styria. The home PCR gargle tests are available from pharmacies. The demand will probably be great, as from November 15th only a negative PCR result will be accepted at the workplace. Here are the most important questions and answers.
How many free PCR gargle tests does each resident of Styria receive?
There are eight gargle tests every 30 days, divided into two four pieces. Uncollected tests expire.
Where can I pick up the gargle tests?
In the 211 Styrian pharmacies. But be careful: You have to register once on the website test.zmdx.at (and upload a photo). Before the tests can be picked up from the pharmacy, you have to announce this on the same website via smartphone or tablet. And again, attention: this collection confirmation is then only valid for 20 minutes!
How does the gargle test work at home?
First of all: You shouldn’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before. First you log in again on the Zmdx page and enter the sample number there. Each test set contains a saline solution, which is gargled for at least one minute – in front of the mobile phone camera! Then you spit the saline solution through a straw into the sample tube and seal it.
What if I don’t gargle in front of the camera?
Then I will receive a certificate with the test result, but I cannot enter it in the green passport.
Where can I finally hand in the sample?
The sample tube comes in a protective pouch and back in the packaging and should be given immediately. 460 locations are available for this: in addition to the pharmacies, there are also all Styrian savings branches. There are white return boxes in the so-called post-checkout area. The samples are collected twice a day and taken to a laboratory. At around 60 Spar locations, there are also metal boxes outdoors, which are also emptied on Sundays and public holidays. You can find the list of these locations here.
When and how do I get my result?
According to the country by SMS within 24 hours.
How long is the negative test result valid?
72 hours from sampling. By the way, in Vienna it’s only 48 hours.
Are there still the rapid tests for at home (“living room tests”)?
No, this offer expires next Monday (November 8th) with the tightened Styrian measures such as 2G in night gastronomy and FFP2 mask requirements in all retail. This will be a turning point for many Styrians: In the previous week, almost 150,000 living room tests were officially registered – but many also use the offer without getting a test certificate.