SINGAPORE — A package of six DIY antigen rapid test (ART) kits will be distributed to all households from Aug 28 to Sept 27 via SingPost, as part of Singapore's strategy to step up Covid-19 testing efforts.

"As Singapore gradually transits to being a Covid-19 resilient nation, society will play an increasingly important role to manage the pandemic," said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a media release.

"A major aspect is to exercise personal responsibility to self-test and monitor our own health status."

On top of the nationwide distribution exercise, ART kits will also be distributed to all students and employees of pre-schools, Ministry of Education (MOE) Kindergartens, early intervention centres, primary schools and special education schools, including the primary and junior sections.

Each student and staff member will receive three ART kits.

"As we become a very highly vaccinated country, we will need to shift our emphasis to testing and surveillance, including self-testing, as an effective means to control the pandemic proactively," said MOH.

"In particular, self-testing with ART kits is a convenient and quick measure to give peace of mind to any individual worried about asymptomatic infection after possible contact with a positive case.

"This is also part of our personal and civic responsibility to ensure a safer community for all," added the ministry.

The list of ART kits and instructions on how to use them can be found on the MOH website.

"If you require more ART self-test kits beyond what we have distributed, these are now widely and conveniently available for purchase at various community retail pharmacies, general retail shops as well as e-commerce platforms," said MOH. CNA

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