From March 1, 2021, the residents of Austria will receive free antigen self-tests per month. These are intended to be used for independent monitoring of the infection status. These will still not be recognized for going to the hairdresser - the way to the pharmacy, to the doctor or to a test station is therefore not omitted.

The so-called “living room tests” have been required for a long time by opposition leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner (SPÖ). The government has now taken this up and wants to provide every inhabitant of Austria with five test kits per month. These are intended to complement the existing test offers, but not to replace them. The self-tests are only intended to provide personal information, because, for example, to use body-hugging service providers such as hairdressers or beauticians, you still have to go to the doctor, in a pharmacy, in a test street in cities and countries or now also in one of just over 700 Companies that offer antigen tests have them examined and then present the results.

“Self-service tests” are worthless for entry

The free “do-it-yourself” kits will be available from 1 March 2021 for self-collection in pharmacies. How exactly it will work and how the government intends to prevent “multiple pickups” from different pharmacists is still unclear. In any case, Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) is convinced that the “living room tests” will be successful and says: “This makes it easy to play it safe at home too”. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) even considers the concept to be an “important breakwater”.

However, it should also be pointed out that the rapid antigen tests carried out at home are not recognized by any country in the world upon entry. Few countries, including Austria and Germany, recognize antigen findings, but the findings must be presented to the test center. In Austria around 800 pharmacies offer free rapid tests. Aviation Direct has an interactive map with all free locations provided at this link.