Rapid antigen tests are being rolled out throughout the Principality, with results obtainable within 30 minutes.
As reported in Monaco Life in late November, the Principality had acquired the rapid antigen tests and was awaiting a ministerial order to allow health professionals to administer the tests.
Now, pharmacists, doctors, nurses and medical labs in the Principality have received training to be able to offer the new screening option for Covid-19.
The rollout comes as welcome news to the National Council, which pushed for the rapid antigen tests to form part of Monaco’s screening capacity.
“Elected officials are delighted that many pharmacies, doctors and nurses in town can now perform these tests and thus meet the demand of many Monegasques and residents, relayed by the national council advisers,” it said in a statement.
The rapid antigen test involves taking a nasal swab, the same required for a PCR test. However, rather than the sample being sent to a laboratory for testing, a few drops of reagent are mixed with the sample and placed on a strip that shows one line for negative, two lines for positive, much like a home pregnancy test. A positive result means that the virus is active in the patient’s body.
Results can be obtained within 30 minutes and the test has a sensitivity rating of between 84-98%, according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Unfortunately, rapid antigen tests perform best when the person is tested in the early stages of infection when viral load is generally highest, therefore they often fail to identify people who are positive but are in the later stages of infection.
As a result, people who have Covid symptoms but receive a negative antigen test should still take a more sensitive PCR test.
But the new tests do allow health authorities to better manage cases by isolating patients quickly to prevent further spread and to begin treatment immediately.
The fee for the antigen test is around 50€ and reimbursable with Monaco health insurance.
Some people will be able to use their antigen test results to enter a country with travel restrictions, such as Italy. However, rules vary depending on the country.
The rapid antigen tests brings to three the number of Covid-screening options currently available in Monaco.
For more information, read our article ‘Guide to getting tested in Monaco’.
Photo credit: Government Communication Department / Manuel Vitali
Day: 3 December 2020
Christmas fun at the Hôtel de Paris
In the elegant setting of the Hôtel de Paris courtyard, amongst giant palms and sparkling firs, winter “greenhouses” are offering a unique and charming experience this winter.
From now until 10th January, the ‘Christmas garden on the patio’ will feature a creative programme of activities headed by skilled professionals who are sharing their precious knowledge for this festive event.
Workshops are being held on everything from ceramics and illustrations, floral door wreaths and natural candles, to culinary lessons on making gingerbread and galette des Rois – all to be enjoyed afterwards at home.
Monaco Life was invited to a workshop for the press on Tuesday, led by the very talented SBM Pastry Chef Cédric Campanella.
Inside a cosy glasshouse, with rain falling gently outside, we were instructed on how to make a beautiful chocolate Christmas tree, using a mixture of ébéne dark chocolate and bio ceiba milk chocolate, decorated with festive dried fruits and nuts.
Everything was provided, including our very own Monte-Carlo Catering aprons, while the highest health standards were maintained. It was surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying to return home to my two young girls with my creation.
But the kids don’t have to miss out. There are specific workshops designed for parents and their children.
And the best part? If your chocolate Christmas tree is too topsy turvy, or your galette de Rois is a little flat, you can just pop over to the “chalet” next door and pick up some treats that have been prepared by Chef Philippe Joannes and his team at Monte-Carlo Catering!
The 1.5-hour workshops cost 75€ per person, or 120€ for an adult and child.
There is also the possibility to reserve the greenhouse for private dinners with a 4-course Winter Gourmet Menu from 180€ per person excluding drinks.
For more details and reservations, call +377 98 06 71 71.
Main photos credit: SBM Monte Carlo
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Photo by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life, all rights reserved