The Pharmaceutical Supervision and Administration Bureau (ISAF) said in a statement yesterday that the supply of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT) has been increased, so it urged the public not to buy “too many” of the RATs.
The statement noted that since the public has been concerned about the supply of the rapid antigen test kits for COVID-19 in local pharmacies, the bureau will announce the RAT numbers in stock in each pharmacy on its website: www.isaf.gov.mo, where the data will be updated every two hours.
According to the statement, in line with the business hours of most pharmacies, the daily survey times will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the stock of RATs in each pharmacy on the website will be adjusted based on the actual sales situation.
The statement underlined that the prices of different brands of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits are not the same due to packaging, brand, origin, and cost. It added that the current prices of each RAT in local pharmacies range between 10 patacas and 50 patacas.
According to the statement, in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic situation in Macau, importers have increased the supply of RATs, which will arrive within this week, adding that the pharmacies will put their stock on the shelves as soon as possible.
The statement highlighted that the bureau has already approved 69 types of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits that can be imported by Macau. The detection performance of the respective RATs has been approved, the statement added. Therefore, the statement noted that residents do not need to select specific brands of RATs.
Enquiries can be made by calling 8598 3522 during office hours or 8598 3504 for 24-hour recorded telephone service.
This photo taken last week in Macau shows three rapid antigen test (RAT) boxes. Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
