The website to log positive antigen tests from home launches on Friday.
A PCR test or professionally administered antigen test will still be required to receive a Covid recovery certificate.
The announcement was shared by HSE National Director for the Covid Vaccination Programme, Damien McCallion in a press conference on Thursday (13 January).
“In any self-testing system, you’re reliant on the person to give the information,” McCallion said.
“It’s important to remember the purpose of it (the government portal) is so you can actually give the person the public health advice, identify the close contacts, give them public health advice and get them tested if necessary.
“So it isn’t for any other purpose in effect.
“We did look at other measures you could put in place, but it would be very restrictive… This is primarily for public health purposes, and hence, that’s the rationale.
“And there are very limited measures or safeguards you could put in place in any case in that sort of self-testing scenario.
“And again, to bear in mind, for the purposes of a recovery certificate, it’s PCR or a professionally administered antigen test.
“The regulations are very clear, so it doesn’t assist people in that regard, in any case,” he concluded.
The Covid recovery certificate can be used as proof of improved immunity against Covid, making people eligible for a EU Digital Covid Certificate (EU DCC).
This news means that people who log their positive antigen tests from home via the Government’s new portal will not be eligible to receive the recovery certificate without also booking a PCR or professional antigen test.
McCallion also said in the press conference that PCR capacity was “pretty close to maxed out”, with 300,000 tests being conducted each week.
The website to log positive antigen tests online is due to launch this Friday (14 January).
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has admitted the new portal is open to “a bit of play-acting“.
Featured Image: Leah Farrell / Photocall Ireland
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