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Date Published: 14/01/2022
ARCHIVED - Rapid Covid tests: Spain goes from most expensive to cheapest overnight
The government has set a price cap of 2.94 euros on over-the-counter antigen tests in Spain
With Spain racking up an average of 100,000 coronavirus infections every day, the demand has never been higher for self-test antigen kits. Following a nationwide shortage of the rapid tests before Christmas and a subsequent price hike, the Ministry of Health announced on Thursday January 13 that all antigen tests sold in pharmacies will carry a maximum price tag of 2.94 euros, a measure which will take effect this Saturday.
The newly regulated cost means that virtually overnight, Spain has gone from being one of the most expensive countries in Europe to being in the top 5 cheapest. In Portugal and Greece, antigen tests also average at around two euros; they can be purchased in supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl for as little as 1.75 euros in Germany while in the UK they are still being delivered for free.
The cost of the tests is still not regulated in Italy and they can cost anywhere between five and 10 euros; however, professional Covid tests are capped at 15 euros for adults and eight for children.
Some of the most expensive tests are to be found in Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland, although the latter does offer them for sale at a reduced cost in certain supermarkets.
Particularly during the sixth wave, self-diagnostic tests have become an invaluable tool for many, but the kits have come under much scrutiny due to the number of false negatives and positives reported. Less sensitive than PCR tests, the results also depend heavily on the patient’s viral load and the amount of time the virus has been incubating.
Organisations such as the National Association of Large Distribution Companies (ANGED), which groups together large stores, have sent the Minister of Health a letter asking her to authorise the sale of antigen tests in supermarkets, but for now, the Spanish government will only allow pharmacies to stock the kits.
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