Thessaloniki: 50% more tests for coronavirus – Increased positivity

At a rate that “reaches” 50%, the demand for self tests has increased in the last week, as well as the conduct of rapid tests in the pharmacies of Thessaloniki.

According to data from the Pharmaceutical Association of Thessaloniki (FSTH), citizens of all ages, who usually show mild symptoms, such as sore throat and runny nose, come to the pharmacies to take the test and see if get sick from Covid-19.

In fact, the percentage of positivity is also increased of the tests, as about 7 in 10 are positive.

As Dionysis Eugenidis, the president of FSTH, states in APE-MPE, due to the increased demand, the prices of both self tests and rapid tests have been reduced in pharmacies. Specifically, the lowest selling prices of self tests range between 2.5-4 euros, while the prices for rapid tests conducted in pharmacies range from 3 to 10 euros, with an average of 5 euros.

“Already, from last week and after the three days of the Holy Spirit, so many of our fellow citizens took the opportunity to go out, we see an increase in the market of self tests, which are procured by those who want to do them alone at home to find out if they have Covid-19. An increase, however, is also recorded in the demand for the rapid tests that we carry out in our pharmacies, as the citizens who show symptoms that worry them“They want to find out if they are positive for the coronavirus or not,” explains Mr. Eugenides.

At the same time, he states that our fellow citizens who in recent days have been turning to pharmacies are of all ages, vaccinated and unvaccinated.

“There are pharmacies in our city, where a week ago 1-2 rapid tests were performed daily and now they are 5-6. Also, in other pharmacies there is an increase in the sale of self tests that reaches up to 50%, while the positivity is increased, as shown in the results “, points out Mr. Eugenidis.

According to him, the main reason for the increase in demand, but also in positivity is the easing of measures against the pandemic due to summer.

“We must not forget that the coronavirus exists. Imagine that we often face a problem with citizens who want to enter the pharmacy without wearing a mask, when by law its use is mandatory. Some eventually comply, while others wait at the door to be served. It is, therefore, important to remain careful and to observe the protection measures, such as the use of a mask and the avoidance, as of course, of co-painting “, Mr. Eugenidis emphasizes.