 said in a statement that the Government had released the built-up stockpile of Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits){kind=link}
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement that the Government had released the built-up stockpile of Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits to retailers from last week amidst a current shortage in supplies in the outlets.
In response to media queries, MOH also said that the Government is working closely with retailers in its plan to secure adequate ART kits for all as the world and Singapore now faces a surge in demand for the kits.
A stockpile has been kept by the Singapore Government to be released to suppliers only when there is shortage.
This stockpile will also see to the event of a sudden increase in demand or shortage of kits.
ART kits sold out in many stores last week
Following a surge in cases due to the Omicron variant, ART kits were sold out in many retailers in Singapore last week.
MOH also added that the demand in ART kits shows that the population in Singapore have a high need for testing as the pandemic goes on.
This is because the population has also taken on greater social responsibility as more and more people are doing self-testing more regularly.
Ever since the ART kits were available for sale in pharmacies in June 2021, almost 9 million kits have been sold.
Previous distribution of kits to all households
The Government had held two nationwide distribution exercises last year between August to September and November to December which saw 25 million ART kits being given out.
Every household in Singapore received 16 ART kits in total.
Urges more regular self-testing
MOH also advised the public to conduct more regular self-testing as the Omicron wave continues as it can help to relieve the strain that the healthcare system will face and also reduce the risk of the virus transmitting.
They should also do so especially before they visit crowded places or interact with groups who are more susceptible.
MOH also added that they will ensure that the supply level of ART kits remain at a healthy rate while they continue to review their strategies.
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