Households in Singapore to receive six ART kits from Jul 17

SINGAPORE: Each household in Singapore will receive six antigen rapid test (ART) kits from Jul 17 to Sep 30.

The test kits, which will be drawn from the national stockpile, are expected to expire in the first quarter of 2024, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Sunday (Jul 16).

"Their usable period can still cover the year-end, coinciding with the northern hemisphere winter season, during which respiratory viruses including influenza and COVID-19 may spread more easily globally," the ministry said.

"Many also take overseas vacations during this period and the kits will help families to take additional precautions where needed."

The ministry said the stockpile of ART kits was built to mitigate supply chain disruptions and sudden surges in usage. The stockpile needs to be refreshed to maintain resiliency, said MOH, adding that the current batch of ART kits has a remaining shelf life of about six months.

This is the fifth national distribution of ART kits. In the previous round in November 2022, each household received 12 test kits.

With the shift towards COVID-19 endemicity, MOH advised Singaporeans to take measures to protect themselves and their families, especially seniors and medically vulnerable people.

It added that people who test positive with an ART test "should regard themselves as being infected with COVID-19".

"They should avoid close contact with others while still symptomatic, and may return to normal activities when their symptoms resolve," MOH said.

"If there is a need to go out while symptomatic, they should wear a mask when leaving home, minimise social interactions and avoid crowded places."

Those who are medically vulnerable or with severe, prolonged or worsening acute respiratory infection symptoms are advised to see a doctor. 

"We encourage eligible persons to receive the recommended vaccine doses," MOH said, urging people aged five years and above who have not received their minimum protection of COVID-19 vaccinations to do so. 

Those aged 60 and above, and those who are medically vulnerable, are also recommended to receive the updated bivalent vaccine booster around one year after their last booster dose.

"They can start to receive it from five months after their last booster dose," said MOH.