After receiving the green light by the High Authority for Health (HAS) on March 16, self-tests to detect Covid-19 will soon be on sale in pharmacies. Indeed, from April 12, 2021, all those who wish will be able to self-test from their home.
Self-tests soon to be sold in pharmacies
In an interview given to the media Brut, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran declared “ From April 12, pharmacies will be able to sell self-tests to those who wish to buy them. “. While the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) has already given its authorization for their use, these home test kits are performed by nasal swabbing but not nasopharyngeal. They are therefore meant to be less unpleasant than PCR tests since they do not need to be so deep in the nose.
In all cases, if a self-test is positive for Covid-19, a PCR test must be performed to confirm the result. It remains to be seen whether these self-tests will be reimbursed by Social Security. The ministry must decide on the subject in a decree before the devices are put on sale.
“Health products” not available in supermarkets
These self-tests will not be available in supermarkets as some had mentioned or as is already the case in Germany. The Directorate General of Health explained that it is “ health product ” and that’s why, “ there must be a health professional who can sell these tests and explain how they work “. Their sale outside pharmacies is therefore not authorized.
