The Government has issued a stern Covid warning about the proper use of antigen tests.
More people are using now the rapid tests as they become widely available in shops around the country.
But Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn says a negative antigen test is NOT a 'green light' for anyone who has Covid symptoms.
Delivering a message on Twitter, he said: "It is essential that nobody with symptoms interprets a negative antigen test as meaning they do not have Covid-19.
"You should not use an antigen test if you have any symptoms of the virus. Instead, you should self isolate and arrange a PCR test.
"You should assume you have Covid until you have a negative result from a PCR test and restrict your movement for 48 hours after your symptoms are resolved.
"You should only consider using an antigen test as an additional tool to combat Covid-19 if you have no symptoms of the disease.
"If you have been vaccinated and have no symptoms but have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case you should use 3 antigen tests over 5 days."
Mr Glynn also warned that people still engaging in 'higher risk activities' such as going to bars, clubs, cinemas and multi-household parties should use antigen tests twice a week as an additional measure along with current Covid-19 guidelines.
Mr Glynn added: "If your antigen test returns a positive result, you should self isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test.
"If you have a negative result, you still need to keep up all the other protective measures.
"This is because antigen tests may not detect the virus even if you have it."
