KATHMANDU: The government on Tuesday permitted antigen-based rapid testing at the health care facilities.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the tests were allowed in a bid to widen the scope of COVID-19 testing.

The fourth amendment to the National Testing Guideline to the COVID-19 states that the rapid test will be used for mass screening, urgent report requirement, and for people living in congregate settings.

If the result of the antigen test is negative, it will be considered as no infection and the symptoms will be evaluated.

Spokesperson Dr. Jageshwor Gautam said that if the report is negative with no symptoms, some days will be awaited, but no PCR tests will be performed.

If there are symptoms, the person will be kept in isolation and PCR will be done for confirmation.