"Rapid test kit"

Nan Hospital on Friday unveiled its novel antigen test kit (ATK) vending machines for public use amid the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Nan province.

The Department of Medical Sciences announced on Monday that patients who test positive with ATK do not have to also undergo an RT-PCR test, because it is expensive and takes longer.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha thanked the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and related organisations for inventing a NanoCovid-19 antigen test kit (ATK), government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Thursday.

The Public Health and Transport ministries have together set up Covid-19 screening points with free antigen test kits (ATKs) at the Bangkok bus terminal and the main railway station from December 28 to January 3.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Saturday instructed the Public Health Ministry to issue an official rule that all visitors to large New Year festivals present proof of vaccination and ATK tests taken no more than 72 hours ago.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday put the brakes on the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s proposal to use antigen test kits (ATKs) on foreign arrivals under the Test & Go scheme.

The Public Health Ministry has recommended that businesses and schools only use antigen test kits (ATK) that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The 90 teachers and students from Mukdahan’s Khamsoipittayanasan, who tested positive on Thursday using the ATK kits, were released on Friday morning when their RT-PCR tests came out negative.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cracking down on the sellers of fake antigen test kits (ATK) and other medical devices.

The Cabinet has approved in principle to give tax breaks to companies or juristic entities that purchase rapid antigen test kits (ATK) for employees.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) set up nine Covid-testing units in the city as of Sunday. Residents who wish to be tested must bring along two copies of their identity card and a pen to avoid having to share.

Antigen Test Kits (ATKs) to help the public test for Covid-19 infection is expected to be distributed from September 15, deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul said.