Free antigen self-test kits distributed in Hangzhou

Residents in some districts of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, received free COVID-19 antigen self-test kits from health authorities recently.

In Yuhang district, which has experienced a recent surge of cases related to a local parcel distribution center, self-test kits were delivered to residents' doorsteps throughout the area starting on Sunday.

Meanwhile, notices were also issued calling for people to complete the self-tests, and anyone who tested positive should report to local authorities immediately.

According to Yuhang's health officials, the self-tests — antigen tests — have been administered in addition to the regular nucleic acid tests, which still serve as the primary diagnostic tool for COVID-19.

In Shangcheng district, people in some communities were also given free self-test kits donated by two local manufacturers, according to reports.

Between March 9 and 13, a total of 52 confirmed cases were been reported in Hangzhou, with 44 in Yuhang district.

Last week, China's National Medical Products Administration approved five COVID-19 antigen test kits made by local companies for self-testing to boost early detection capabilities and cope with the Omicron variant, which is highly transmissible.