Saliva tests, a less invasive way to screen for Covid-19, have arrived in the Principality and are currently being trialled at the National Screening Centre. The government is hoping as many people as possible will take the test, not only to boost screening in the Principality, but to help determine whether the tests actually work.
Health authorities began using the oral test on 18th February at the Espace Léo Ferré, Monaco’s screening headquarters.
However, the testing method is still in the early stages and authorities are yet to determine whether a swab taken from the mouth is as effective as a swab taken from the nose in detecting Covid-19.
So, the government is encouraging as many residents as possible to take the saliva test so it can analyse the data and determine its reliability.
Patients who voluntarily present themselves to the National Screening Centre are invited to take three tests to be a part of the study. In addition to the gold-standard PCR test, two oral tests are being performed, and both involve pain-free swabs of the inner cheek to collect cells.
One sample is sent to the Scientific Centre for analysis, like a PCR test. The second sample is analysed on site, like an antigen test.
This particular saliva test was developed by Starck, a Monegasque company specialising in dental prostheses and implants.
All three tests are completed in about 20 minutes.
The device used in the Starck to collect cells from inside a patient’s cheek. Photo by Stephane Danna / Government Communication Department
To take part in the study, patients must be a contact case or symptomatic. So far, 150 people have taken part and scientists estimate that at least 1,500 tests will have to be analysed before any conclusions are drawn about the test’s effectiveness. If the saliva tests hold up, they are likely to be rolled out on a larger scale.
More than 5,000 people are tested each week in Monaco, the majority of which are PCR tests, while just over 1,000 are antigen tests.
According to Health Minister Didier Gamerdinger, around half of these tests are administered to employees.
Authorities are hoping everyone returning from vacations abroad will get tested upon re-entry to the Principality. Those who took a PCR test before leaving on holiday will receive a message reminding them of their responsibility to get tested again upon their return.
Photos by Stephane Danna / Government Communication Department
More people are testing for Covid than ever before in Monaco, however the rate of infection, known as the incidence rate, has finally stabilised at a high 1,953.
About a hundred Princess Grace Hospital staff are currently Covid positive, leaving shortages at the facility at a time when hospital admissions are on the rise.
Faced with an “explosion” in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Prince's Government is readjusting some restrictions, including an extension of the mandatory health pass for workers in more sectors.
Masks are no longer mandatory outdoors except in highly populated areas. The government has also announced that people over 65 can receive a third dose of the Covid vaccine.
As Monaco’s Public Safety Department marks its 120th anniversary, the force has released crime figures for 2021, showing that Monaco’s ‘Safe city’ image has been well maintained in 2021.
The latest study on violence against women in Monaco has shown a decrease in incidents reported in 2021, however the minister for women’s rights says that the crime remains a “constant battle".
The International Day of Education was marked by the Nereides de Bourbon Group entering into a partnership with LutinX to bring education opportunities to displaced and underprivileged people.
Monaco will not introduce a vaccine pass, which has been deemed constitutional in France and will take effect on Monday 24th January. However, the pass will still be required for residents crossing the border.
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