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Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz
Photo: Georg Hochmuth / dpa
For a corona rapid test, private citizens have previously had to go to a test center, to the doctor or pharmacist who takes the smear.
In the future, there should also be rapid antigen tests that anyone can do at home.
In Germany, these spit and gargle tests have not yet been approved - Austria, on the other hand, now promises free tests for everyone.
From March 1, the self-tests, which are also known as “living room tests” in Austria, are to be available free of charge in pharmacies.
The Austrian news agency APA reported that up to five pieces should be available per person per month.
They are intended solely for self-monitoring and cannot be used as access tests for visits by hairdressers or other body-hugging service providers.
In Germany, Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) changed the dispensing ordinance for medical devices in February to allow the introduction of self-tests.
However, it is not yet clear when the rapid tests will be approved for private individuals.
According to a spokesman, the Federal Ministry of Health expects approval from March.
Originally, the end of January was already mentioned.
If the tests come, they could be a big step towards relaxation: The self-rapid tests make it possible to test yourself for the corona virus in the comfort of your own home.
With the new types of rapid tests, medical personnel are no longer necessary, they help to relieve the burden on the health system.
Austria loosened its lockdown a week ago and has since increased its test capacities significantly.
A week ago, all shops, hairdressers and other body-hugging service providers in Austria had reopened.
A negative corona test is required to visit the service provider.
Without schools, around 1.5 million antigen and PCR tests were carried out within seven days.
According to the Ministry of Education, due to the resumption of face-to-face teaching in schools, 2.2 million tests are now on the program every week for students, teachers and administrative staff.
“We are among the countries that test the most in Europe.
With the school tests we are the first in Europe, «said Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP).
"If we test, test, test - then this is the alternative to lockdown," emphasized the state chief of Styria, Hermann Schützenhöfer (ÖVP).
The hotels and restaurants, which have been closed for months, are waiting for an opening perspective.
The government does not expect further opening steps before Easter at the earliest.
Prime Minister Kurz said that “great caution is still necessary”.
The infection situation is still stable despite the slight easing a week ago.
"But we are struggling with the fact that the mutations have increased and are still increasing".
The government plans to take a decision on further easing after consultations with experts on March 1st.
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mrc / dpa / Reuters