Ireland’s antigens test the price war as supermarkets and chemists reduce costs

The AN antigen test price war is going on as stores claim to sell the cheapest tests on the market.

Lidl customers will be able to purchase Covid-19 children for as little as €2.99 from Saturday.

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The budget retailer claims their tests are “the cheapest approved test on the market”.

However, popular budget retailer Mr Price wins with the cheapest option, 1 € cheaper than Lidl, at 1.99 €.

Customers receive a box containing a single antigen test for a price.

Aldi is also selling on-demand tests for €4.

Chemists like McCabe’s offer antigen tests for €8 – but again customers only get one per pack.

Boots and Hickey’s are also offering antigen tests done by in-house staff, with customers receiving results within an hour – with Hickey’s service costing €45.

Many gas stations, including Circle K, sell antigen tests, and prices typically fall around €8.

POSSIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE

Store employees also continue to receive free weekly antigen tests in an effort to keep our frontline teams safe.

Speaking about the decision to introduce single tests, Lidl CEO JP Scally said; “We believe that making these things affordable and accessible to everyone is the right thing to do.

“We’re fortunate to have a huge network of 171 stores nationwide, with more than 1.5 million people shopping weekly.”

The tests will be available for purchase from the site.

Lidl urges all shoppers to continue to follow all public health advice and wear masks when shopping in stores.

It was the first food retailer to sell antigen tests in April.

RIGHT USE OF CONFIDENCE

Meanwhile, NPHET urged publicly use antigen testing only if they do not have symptoms of Covid-19.

According to Professor Philip Nolan, the National Public Health Emergency Group has “legitimate concern” that antigen tests are not being used properly.

Professor Nolan said it was important that “the right test is used in the right way at the right time”.

He said people should not use antigen testing if they have symptoms of Covid-19, as PCR testing is required in such cases.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan also said that the public should only consider using antigen testing if they have no symptoms of the disease.

He added that it should be used as a complementary tool, along with all other public health measures.