The Government has ruled out supplying free antigen tests to the wider public.
Antigen tests will be given to those in school setting and close contacts of positive Covid cases for free.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Minister Donnelly said the cost of the tests will be subsidised.
"The advice I have is they shouldn’t be free. They have them free in the UK and the government came under huge criticism from parliament for that because essentially there were no controls on how they were being used at all," he said.
He went on: "They’re very, very expensive, so every time you subsidise an antigen test, it’s money you’re not spending on a nurse, you’re not spending on a doctor.”
He added that antigen tests will be sold at a lower price in the coming week.
https://twitter.com/DonnellyStephen/status/1460634614947627010?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
A box of 5 antigen tests will be sent to anyone who is a close contact of a confirmed Covid case.
The Health Minister stressed that you can only use an antigen test if you have no Covid symptoms. If you have Covid-19 symptoms then you should arrange a free PCR test.
Donnelly's comments come after the Government announced new measures to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Nightclubs, bars, and restaurants
now have to close at midnight. Covid passes will be needed in both
cinemas and theatres.
People have also been advised to work from home f
rom this Friday. Boosters will also be offered to people over the age of 50, as well as anyone who has an underlying condition.
If you live with a positive Covid case you must restrict your movements for 5 days. You also need to take three antigen tests if you have no symptoms.
