Alltest will be available in stores in March onwards at Guardian, Cold Storage, 7-11, Giant, Watsons, Unity, NTUC, Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, Red Mart, Shopee Supermarket
Retailers have also been doing their part to replenish their shelves with the kits and have yet to impose a quota on the number individuals can buy.
A Watsons spokesman said with the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, it has seen a close to threefold jump in demand for the kits in February compared with January.
Guardian saw demand almost doubling from January to February. A spokesman said: "We encourage customers to purchase only what they need to ensure there is sufficient stock for everyone."
A FairPrice spokesman noted how demand has been "elevated", adding that this could be due to both the rise in Covid-19 cases and public awareness of the importance of regular testing amid the evolving pandemic situation.
Checks by The Straits Times on Wednesday afternoon showed that about 60 of the 178 collection venues dispensing free ART kits to those who need to self-test have low stock, are running out of stock or are out of stock.
Professor Dale Fisher, a senior infectious disease consultant at the National University Hospital, said having more brands of Covid-19 kits in the market will keep prices and supplies stable.
He added: "Antigen rapid tests are very empowering in helping individuals know if they have Covid-19. This can guide personal decision-making about visiting hospitals, large gatherings and vulnerable family members."
Even though most workers no longer have to undergo rostered routine testing, Prof Fisher added that Covid-19 testing will remain useful for those working in high-risk settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/two-new-covid-19-art-kits-available-in-stores-from-march