Izah Azahari
As Ramadhan begins, Muslims in the Sultanate expressed concerns as to whether or not it is permissible to carry out the nasal antigen rapid test (ART) while fasting.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said they are awaiting the relevant agency to issue a statement regarding the matter, but added it is not permissible to carry out the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab test while fasting.
“While we await the statement from the department, it is recommended to screen for COVID-19 using ART at night or at sahur time,” the minister said. “If it is necessary to screen for the virus during the day, it is recommended that the oral type be used.”
