The Ministry of Health has approved the use of self-testing kits in Guyana for COVID-19, but the results of the tests will not be accepted for travel.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony in his COVID-19 update today revealed that persons will be allowed to import or purchase the self-testing kits, which allows them to follow the instructions and test themselves for COVID-19.

He said in the case of positive results, persons should report those results to the Ministry of Health as they isolate themselves at home. If they develop symptoms, they should seek medical help.

“There are some people who would buy the kits and follow the guidance and it’s not widespread, so we don’t see a big challenge. With self-testing, if you have any concerns, it is a way to see if you are positive or negative. I don’t think a lot of people would be doing it, but those who would be doing it, I think they will be responsible enough to report it to our surveillance system”, he explained.

The Minister of Health added that once the positive result is presented to the Ministry of Health, then the Ministry will decide on whether the person should undergo a second test, which will be administered by the Ministry.

“If somebody would have used a self-testing kit and they are positive, they should report so that we would have it in our count”, Dr. Anthony said.

In terms of international travel, the Health Minister warned that the self-tests will not be accepted for outgoing or incoming passengers.

“Self-testing is a concept that you have in different countries. Our travel requirements are very explicit. We are accepting antigen tests from a reputable institution where it is done or a PCR-test, there is something called a rapid PCR, we are accepting that. Somebody having a home kit and doing a test at home, does not qualify or meet the requirements for travel. No country is accepting someone who tested themselves for travel and we will not change our guidelines.

There are a number of private facilities that have been approved by the Government to administer COVID-19 tests. Results from those agencies are accepted for international travel.

Guyana continues to see a decline in active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. There were 105 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours with three additional deaths. The three latest fatalities were all unvaccinated.

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