European digital COVID certificate: Recovery certificates can now also be issued based on rapid antigen tests

The European Commission has adopted a delegated act under the EU digital COVID certificate for the issuance of recovery certificates. From today, the new rules will allow member states to issue reinstatement certificates based on a positive rapid antigen test result. Previously, it was only possible to issue a reinstatement certificate following a positive result from a molecular nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as RT-PCR.

In order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the certificate, the rapid antigen test used must be on the EU common list of rapid antigen detection tests for COVID-19 and be performed by healthcare professionals or by qualified personnel. Member states can issue these certificates retroactively, based on trials carried out from 1 October 2021.

Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said: “The EU digital COVID certificate is evolving according to the situation. In order to facilitate the free movement, in particular of citizens infected during the Omicron wave, member states are now able to issue recovery certificates also based on high-quality rapid antigen tests.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “Our common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests enables member states to quickly identify high-quality tests validated by independent evaluation studies. of the EU. Based on this list, member states will now also be able to use rapid antigen tests to issue recovery certificates and relieve some of the significant pressure on national testing capacities due to the emergence of Omicron. We are committed to ensuring that the EU digital certificate follows the latest developments and scientific advice. The new rules apply immediately and member states can start issuing recovery certificates based on rapid antigen tests as soon as they are ready."

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