Palace not pursuing subsidy for antigen COVID-19 test sans FDA approval

Malacañang is not keen on subsidizing the cost of antigen COVID-19 test, including those which can be used at home, pending recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles made the response when asked if such an option is on the table given that the country's COVID-19 positivity rate has increased to 26% as of January 4 from less than 1% in mid-December last year.

"We’ll also need the FDA to chime in on that, as far as using home test kits. What home test kits that the FDA is going to allow?" Nograles said during the Palace briefing.

"This [government subsidizing antigen test] is something consistently being discussed especially in light of this Omicron [variant]. Health experts must chime in since we have to make sure the tests we use don't give false negatives or positives. It has to pass through a rigorous process," Nograles added.

Nograles said those with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested using RT-PCR test, and those in need could seek help from respective local government units for free assistance.

Under the existing policy, only those with symptoms and their close contacts are subject to an RT-PCR test paid for by the government.

Testing czar Vince Dizon earlier said the country will stick with this policy of risk-based COVID-19 testing because limited government resources must be used efficiently. 

"RT-PCR test is still the gold standard, and the one used in genome sequencing [for detention of specific variant]," Nograles added.

Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal are under Alert Level 3 until January 15.

The Alert Level 3 protocol prohibits in person classes for basic education, karaoke and indoor entertainment, gatherings of people not belonging to the same household, casino/horse racing/cockfighting operations and contact sports except for bubble set up. — RSJ, GMA News