MADRID, Reuters – The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated Monday that the government of Spain is reviewing rules for limiting the retail price antigen tests for COVID-19 after reports of shortages in pharmacies throughout the country.

Omicron cases have seen a surge in prices. The scarcity of Omicron test kits in pharmacies has prompted opposition politicians to protest. Many consumer groups are calling on supermarkets to sell Omicron products.

Sanchez spoke out in an interview to Cadena SER radio station, “The issue we had prior and during the Christmas period was the supply test. There was a bottleneck.” “Now we’ll control the test prices.”

Sanchez suggested that it may be time for different criteria to monitor the pandemic, as COVID-19 becomes less fatal. This confirms an earlier report that authorities are considering using the same monitoring methods they use to follow flu. However, Sanchez did not record every case and do not test all people who become symptomatic.

Ines Arrimadas, the centre-right leader of opposition to Ines Arrimadas on Monday stated that a liberalization in antigen testing market would prove more effective than price caps.

She told reporters that people in Portugal can buy test in local supermarkets not far away.

Arrimadas explained that the cost for antigen testing in Portugal is about $3.40, while it costs around 10 euro in Spain where they can only be obtained in pharmacies.

The infection rate in Spain over the last 14 days reached a record 2,723 cases for every 100,000 population on Friday. This is more than ten times the level at December’s start.

Although 22% of intensive care residents were more than 8% last month, this is still less than the 43% record a year ago.

Spain will buy 344,000 doses Pfizer Sanchez, who also spoke Monday about the COVID-19 antiviral drug in January.

Paxlovid is a pill for adults with mild or moderate infections and who are at risk of having their condition worsen. It is best to take Paxlovid during COVID-19’s early stages, prior to any hospitalization.

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