As countries around the world start to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, new safety protocols are developed and testing is becoming more convenient. Singapore has taken steps to alleviate the caseload at clinics by setting up more than 90 locations of COVID-19 Quick Tests Centers.
Whether you’re a traveler, a front-line worker, or if you have mild symptoms, you can take supervised self-administered antigen rapid tests (ARTs) at Quick Test Centres. If you have a positive COVID-19 result, it will be uploaded on the HealthHub mobile application within 30 minutes.
According to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, this will help divert many of the mild cases away from general practitioner clinics into the Quick Test Centres. The locations of these test centers include dental clinics, malls, and Marina Bay Sands.
About Quick Test Centres (QTCs) and About Combined Test Centres (CTCs)
Until 15 April 2022, those who have tested positive on their self-administered Antigen Rapid Tests (ARTs) and are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, may book an appointment at the Combined Centres (CTCs) and Quick Test Centres for a government-funded supervised self-swab ART Test.
Minors aged 3 to 12 must be accompanied by a caregiver who is at least 21 years of age. The caregiver will help administer the test if the child is unable to do so.
What is a Combined Test Centre (CTC)?
Previously known as Regional Screening Centres (RSCs), a Combined Test Centre is set up around Singapore to carry out COVID-19 swab tests for target groups from the general community who are well or have been diagnosed with an acute respiratory infection.
CTCs offer both the self-paid Antigen Rapid Test (ART) and the COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) swab test.
What are Quick Test Centre Singapore?
These testing centers offer only the self-paid Antigen Rapid Test (ART). This test will be self-administered. However, it will be supervised by an approved COVID-19 swab test provider. You’ll need to pay S$15 at the QTCs through cashless modes, such as Mastercard, NETS, PayNow, and Visa.
Don’t forget to bring photo identification for verification at the QTC.
Both CTCs and QTCs support COVID-19 testing. Making these testing centers more accessible to the general public will help keep homes and communities safe. This is a crucial step as Singapore re-opens and resumes activities.
The ART results are valid for 24 hours and can be used to meet requirements, such as for pre-event testing or for an unvaccinated individual to dine-in at food and beverage establishments.
Locations of QTCs and CTCs
For the locations of CTCs and QTCs, click here.
Want to book an appointment? Members of the public may book their supervised self-administered antigen rapid test (ART) here.
Here are some of the locations of CTCs and QTCs as provided by the Ministry of Health:
Process at Quick Test Centres
Individuals are required to book an appointment at any of the testing venues prior to the visit.
Step 1: Pay
The test costs S$15 (inclusive of GST). Only cashless payment is accepted, such as Mastercard, Visa, NETS, and PayNow.
Step 2: Swab
After paying, you will need to self-swab under the supervision of trained staff.
Step 3: Get Your Results
You will receive the results via SMS within 20 minutes. The results will also be reflected in your TraceTogether app for 24 hours.
COVID-19 Testing For Symptomatic Individuals
Starting 26 February 2022, symptomatic individuals who test ART positive when they visit any of the CTCs for a supervised ART during the weekends, can request a consultation with a telemedicine doctor.
The doctor will get in touch with the patient within 2-4 hours upon submission of the request. That said, symptomatic individuals can receive the consultation in their own homes. If the doctor prescribed medications, they will be delivered within 12 hours.
The testing and consultations will be funded by the Singapore Government during this period.
Pre-Departure Test Locations
More and more countries are starting to re-open for travel. But before you’re allowed entry or transit, you’ll need to take a Pre-Departure COVID-19Test (PDT) and present a valid negative test. A pre-departure test must be taken at a recognized and accredited clinic, laboratory, or medical facility.
If you need to travel outside of Singapore, you can make an appointment at an approved clinic or testing centre in Singapore.
Which COVID-19 Pre-Departure PCR Test Should You Take?
Nasal Swab PCR Test: This is available for all outbound individuals traveling to any country that requires a COVID-19 PCR test for entry.
Saliva-Based PCR Test: This is available for individuals traveling to countries that accept saliva-based pre-departure COVID-19 test results for entry.
Some countries that accept this test includes:
- United States
- Australia
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Korea
- Japan
Find out more about the travel bubble of Singapore.
What Is the Testing Window for the Pre-Departure PCR Test?
For COVID-19 PCR tests, it is best to take the swab test at least 48 hours before your flight departure. This will ensure that you will receive the results before your flight.
For the COVID-19 ART test, you may take the test at least one hour before your flight.
However, it is highly recommended to check the testing window requirements for your destination country to determine the accepted time frame for a pre-departure test. Some countries may only recognize a short validity period for the test results.
Conclusion
Singapore has opened over 90 COVID-19 Quick Tests Centers to help divert many of the mild cases away from general practitioner clinics. The members of the public are encouraged to book an appointment at any of these centers to help keep communities safe.
Key Takeaways:
- COVID-19 patients with mild or no symptoms can visit Quick Test Centres or a Combined Test Centre to take a supervised self-administered ART for free.
- The individuals will get their results within 30 minutes and it will be reflected in the TraceTogether app.
- These tests are available to anyone aged 3 and above. Children aged 3 to 12 must be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 21 years old.
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