EU does not find consensus for rapid coronavirus testing.
Many EU governments are opposed to common rules on the use of rapid tests of COVID-19, according to an internal document seen by Reuters that represents a new blow to airlines that bet on this type of tests to revive the travel industry.
See also: Emirates leads the world ranking of the safest airlines against Covid-19.
Airlines are pushing governments for alternatives to movement restrictions in the midst of the second wave of the pandemic currently sweeping Europe, with flagship companies such as Lufthansa and Alitalia leading the way in the use of rapid antigen testing.
However, many EU governments are not ready for common procedures on testing that would facilitate travel across Europe, according to the document prepared by the German government, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency.
See also: Which airlines are on the verge of “bankruptcy” because the COVID-19 pandemic?
“A large number of member states made it clear that discussions on common minimum standards and criteria were premature,” reads the document, dated November 12.
The document will be on the table when EU leaders discuss coordination in the fight against the pandemic in a video conference on Thursday.
Rapid antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, but can give results in a few minutes, rather than several days.
European airlines are using them on passengers before flight departure, allowing only those passengers who test negative to travel. But these tests are largely limited to domestic flights, partly because of the reluctance of European countries to apply consistent rules.
Some governments are looking for more scientific evidence on rapid tests, says the German document. Many say that testing is a national matter for which there is no need for a common approach, the paper states without mentioning any country.
The European Commission will issue on Wednesday a recommendation on how to use rapid tests, but without binding force.
The EU’s executive arm also planned to present advice on quarantine and self-isolation for those who come into contact with people who test positive for COVID-19, but has now decided to delay the non-binding proposal because of the diversity of scientific recommendations, a senior EU official said.
By Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio – Reuters
(Additional information from Emilio Parodi in Milan; translated by Jose Elias Rodriguez)
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