Is an antigen test sufficient to be declared negative for Covid? The 8 p.m. answers you

Since the start of the health crisis, the TF1 newscast has scrutinized viewers’ questions every evening in “Le 20H vous responds”. On the daily menu: is an antigen test enough to be declared negative for Covid? Are dance parties in a multi-purpose hall authorized for New Year’s Eve? I am a trader, can I restore a gauge to my shop? Garance Pardigon answers these questions on Gilles Bouleau’s set in the video at the top of this article.

Is an antigen test enough to be declared negative for Covid?

It depends. To have a valid health pass, the answer is yes: you just have to present “proof of a negative RT-PCR, antigen test, or a self-test carried out under the supervision of a healthcare professional for less than 24 hours maximum“. But from a scientific point of view, you will be told that a PCR test is always more reliable than an antigen.”To find out, it is best to do a PCR test, especially if you have no symptoms.“, specifies François Blanchecotte, national president of the Union of biologists.

The Ministry of Health justifies the use of antigenic tests: “The antigen test is less sensitive, but its speed in rendering results is an asset for breaking the chains of transmission and isolating positive cases.“, can we read here. The RT-PCR test remains the reference technique.”To give you an image, the PCR is a net with a very fine mesh, and the antigen is a large mesh“, continues François Blanchecotte.

Whatever type of test you choose, be aware that Social Security coverage has been subject to conditions since October 15.

I am a shopkeeper (chocolate maker), can I restore a gauge in my shop?

Yes, you are home! So you can set your own rule. It is true that the protocol applicable in shops does not impose it. It simply states that “the maximum capacity of the reception of the establishment must be displayed and visible from the outside“. And particularly recommend”to establish a sense of circulation” and “to promote click & collect“.

“These are possible leads for this shopkeeper“, advises Francis Palombi, president of the Confederation of traders of France.

For example, it can offer its most loyal customers to come and collect their order at a specific time and outside of peak periods. The defender of independent traders also insists on wearing a mask. “All customers over 11 must wear it. Otherwise, they stay outside. Traders must be intractable“, he explains to us from his hospital room, under surveillance after contracting Covid-19.

Are dance parties in a multi-purpose hall authorized for New Year’s Eve?

Yes, if we stick to the decree of December 7, 2021 which enacts the closure of nightclubs until January 6, 2022 inclusive.

“This ban applies until the same date to dance activities in establishments open to the public, such as restaurants and bars”, we can also read here.

The rule is therefore clear for establishments open to the public of type N and P. But what about a multipurpose room, or a conference center, which would be privatized on New Year’s Eve? There may be local restrictions. The prefecture, or even the mayor of the municipality in question, keep the last word. You must therefore check with these authorities.

If you have a question yourself, you can ask it on social networks with the hashtag # le20HYouRepond, or directly by email to a dedicated address, [email protected], or now in video by going to our dedicated page.

Another novelty in recent weeks, during this section of 8:00 p.m., you will see a QR Code appear at the bottom of the screen: you can then flash it and access an enriched article directly from your mobile phone or tablet.