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While airports are leaning towards a global testing guideline to waive strict quarantine requirements that are impacting travel, South Africa has implemented a ‘red list’ and requires a negative PCR test conducted at least 72 hours before departure.
To ensure the safety of all passengers and staff, travelers who show symptoms at arrival will be required to conduct a rapid test at the ports of entry.
Prof Anne von Gottberg, clinical microbiologist at the NICD, explains that the test results can be ready within 30 minutes.
ALSO SEE: TRAVEL: DOES THE UPDATED ‘RED LIST’ LIST HELP THE SA ECONOMY?
“This antigen rapid test is similar to that of a pregnancy test which can be done by medical staff at ports of entry,” said Von Gottberg.
“The idea is that the specimen does not have to get to a laboratory, but rather the test be done at the port of entry,” she said.
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— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) November 2, 2020
What kind of #Covid19 tests can you expect at ports of entry, & how do they work? We asked Prof Anne von Gottberg, clinicial microbiologist at the NICD. pic.twitter.com/TTIEOwggsM
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