The government has decided to relax COVID testing requirements for arrivals from abroad next week. Currently, all travelers must bring a negative PCR test certificate, but from May 23 a rapid antigen test result from a medical facility will also do. But self-tests will not be accepted.
An increasing number of countries are replacing PCR testing with rapid antigen tests as there have been a lot of complaints about the cost of PCR tests, which are considered more accurate.
Authorities will also cut down on COVID tests on arrival from June 1. Currently, arrivals have to undergo a PCR test a day after arrival and a rapid antigen test a week later, but that will be reduced to one PCR test within three days after arrival. A rapid antigen test a week after arrival will only be recommended.
Children under 6 traveling with vaccinated parents are exempt from self-isolation at the moment, but that will be raised to 12.
Meanwhile, Pfizer's COVID pill Paxlovid can be now prescribed to anyone over 12 with ca hronic illness.
Until recently, Paxlovid was authorized only for over 60s, immunocompromised people, and patients with chronic diseases over 40 because supplies were limited.
Chronically ill patients over 18 can also get Merck's Lagevrio.
