New antigen test seeks to keep crowds safe as venues return to full capacity

As live music and festivals return to full capacity on October 22nd, an Irish company seeks to produce a new antigen test to keep the crowds safe.

The high-tech testing method combines multi-layered antigen testing with a digital health platform. Festival-goers would be supplied with three antigen tests alongside the ticket; as well as a unique QR code that contains the individual’s health status. All the information gathered would be shared directly with the festival organisers -  all the data appearing on a dashboard in real-time.

The test promises to be highly accurate as well as speedy, delivering results as quickly as 15 minutes. The results can also be shared with healthcare professionals, adding another layer of verification.

“Promoters, venue owners and event organisers will want to know that the people coming through the door are not infectious and that all patrons are kept safe.  They can do that with our test”,  said Chris O’Grady, clinical pharmacist and Director of Reassurance.ie.

“We are offering a digital technology platform combined with a multi-layered testing system that will detect COVID-19 infectiousness in an immediate and progressive manner and thereby facilitate a safe resumption of all economic, social and educational activities in Ireland, including music and other events.”

Calls for widespread antigen testing have been growing in the past week, with both medical experts and politicians calling for increased safety measures. This comes after the method saw successful results at various pilot shows - with Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Minister Catherine Martin saying: “We are seeing the effect and impact of antigen testing tonight.”

The three tests provided alongside the tickets would be used at different stages prior to the festival. The first would be used three days before, allowing for enough time for concerto-goers to take a confirmation PCR test in case of a positive result. The second would be used on the day of the festival - a negative result giving a green light, a positive initiating a refund instead. The last test would be taken five days after the festival, allowing to catch potential asymptomatic cases.

The whole testing process will be made easier by the assistance of the accompanying App, which amongst other things, would ensure correct technique using demonstration videos and remind the attendee to perform tests at correct time. It will also give instruction as to how to interpret the results - as well as how to upload them through the unique QR code.

“People can buy antigen tests across the counter in a supermarket or elsewhere but they are limited in terms of what they tell you.  Our test is highly effective in terms of identifying infectiousness.  And will do so speedily,” Mr O’Grady promises.

The test has been fully approved by both national and European authorities. It is to be carried out with the help of Tested.me, an  established UK tech company which has helped fight the spread of COVID-19.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to the testing process:

• Individual supplied a Self-Test pack containing three tests as part of ticket purchase.
• Individual instructed to download app which involves populating their contact and identification details.
• App ensures correct technique using demonstration videos and reminds the attendee to perform tests at correct times.
• App instructs how to interpret results and how to upload result verification photo (displaying QR code).
• App is web based so the event coordinator has immediate access to all results and verification photos in real time.
• 1st Test (3 days before): Positive result allows the individual sufficient time to get a PCR test to confirm or overturn the antigen result.
• 2nd Test (Day of event): Positive result triggers an automatic refund for the individual.
• A negative result in 1st & 2nd tests: App assigns a Green Tick Health Status which will grant the individual access to the event.
• 3rd Test (5 days after the event): Positive result could be detecting transmission relating to the event in asymptomatic attendees initiating confirmatory PCR test, isolation etc.
• A negative result for 3rd test reassures the attendee that they did not contract covid at the event and verifies the covid impact of the event for the event coordinator.

For more information please visit: www.reassurance.ie