As the OÖNachrichten reported a month ago, the gurgle tests, which were previously only available in Vienna, are now also finding their way into Upper Austria. Upper Austria is the first federal state to introduce this PCR test option, emphasized Governor Thomas Stelzer (VP) yesterday. The logistical challenges here are “much higher than for a large city like Vienna”.
The start is next Monday in the city of Linz, from August 2nd the gurgle tests will also be rolled out in the districts of Gmunden and Vöcklabruck. Dates for the other districts have not yet been set.
As in Vienna, the test kits financed by the federal government can be picked up free of charge in the Bipa branches in the participating districts. A barcode is required for this, which citizens can get on the homepage www.allesgurgelt.at. You can pick up four test kits per barcode.
The next step is to visit the lead-horizon.org site, where you will also find instructions for further test processing. Identification is required for the test by holding a passport, ID card or e-card in the mobile phone camera.
The finished samples can be handed in at any branch of the REWE Group (in addition to Bipa, Billa and Penny and the associated petrol station shops). The test result should be available within 24 hours. Anyone who submits the sample before 9 a.m. can expect a result the next morning in the morning. If you hand it in by 2 p.m., you can count on the result the next day at noon. There is no age limit. Children can also use the test as soon as they can gargle.
The advantages of the gargle test: Because the evaluation is carried out using PCR, the result is valid for 72 hours. In addition, the result is more informative than with rapid antigen tests. They also enable the genetic material to be sequenced more efficiently in order to keep an eye on the mutations.
“Preparation for the fourth wave”
“With a view to autumn, it is already important to take steps to contain the highly contagious Delta variant as much as possible,” says Stelzer. Of course, the vaccination remains “the most effective protection against severe disease”, said Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander (VP). “In preparation for a fourth wave,” the gargle tests are “a good addition”.
