Up to now, it has been possible to dispense rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 to the general public for their own use (coronavirus self-tests) on the basis of the COVID-19 Act and COVID-19 Ordinance 3. COVID-19 Ordinance 3 ceased to be valid on 30 June 2024.
This means that the previous legal basis for dispensing coronavirus self-tests to the public no longer exists. However, in the interests of public health, Swissmedic is able to approve exceptions for the dispensing of tests to detect contagious diseases to the public in justified cases.
At the request of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), Swissmedic has granted such an approval. This approval was granted on the basis of several relevant considerations, including the FOPH’s recommendation that the dispensation of coronavirus self-tests for individuals’ own use is in the interests of public health in order to protect themselves and others from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The self-tests also play a key role in preventing and combating SARS-CoV-2 around high-risk individuals. Overall, the benefits of continuing to allow the dispensing of coronavirus self-tests outweighs any risks involved.
It will therefore still be possible for the public to obtain coronavirus self-tests. The tests must be dispensed to the public through suitable outlets that can provide the necessary specialist advice (e.g. pharmacists).