DOH Warns Against Self-Administered COVID-19 Test Kits

The Department of Health warned Filipinos Thursday against buying self-administered COVID-19 test kits, saying such products were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Individuals who will encounter sellers of self-administered COVID-19 test kits should immediately report them to the FDA, the health department said.

"To date, the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines has not approved any self-administered test kits," the DOH said in a statement.

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While testing is a pillar of the Philippines' COVID-19 pandemic response, the health department reminded the public that adherence to minimum health standards such as wearing face masks is still the "best measure" against the spread of the virus.

"Prevention through strict adherence to the minimum public health standards remains to be the best measure against the spread of COVID-19," it said.

Recently, the health department has allowed the Philippine Red Cross to conduct saliva-based COVID-19 testing as a cheaper and more comfortable alternative.

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