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A new COVID-19 detection device being introduced in Indonesia might just see the end of swabs infiltrating your nose, with developers in the region defending the use of a new locally developed breathalyser at airports amid backlash.
Researchers at the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta have developed the GeNose C-19 pre-boarding test, trialling the new tech at airports and train stations across Indonesia since February.
Developers have ambitions to test up to 1.2 million people a day with the new GeNose method as Indonesia looks for answers to its growing virus risk. As of April 20, the South-East Asian nation has recorded an average of 126 deaths and over 5,000 new cases recorded each day.
If somebody tests positive with the blow test, they are required to take a proper diagnostic screening and quarantine for 10 days.
Local epidemiologists have reservations about the test, with University of Indonesia professor Paul Riono disputing its effectiveness. He says claims the test could detect coronavirus just two days after infection were “dangerous”.
“It is impossible,” Riono said via the Sydney Morning Herald. “What is problematic is that the claim has never been validated. And what makes me even more confused is that the COVID-19 Task Force allowed it.”
Indonesian Health Ministry spokeswoman Widyawati said the test, which costs just $2.65 per hit, has been approved but only for screening purposes, with swab tests still used to get a definitive diagnosis on the patient’s condition.
“If there is any information from the ground that it is not accurate, well, I think there is no test method that provides a 100 per cent effectiveness,” Irawati said.
“There is a condition in taking the GeNose tests … you cannot eat and drink for 30 minutes prior to taking the test. The reports we received from operators, some people were not honest about this.
“They said they did not eat and drink prior to taking the test but when the result was positive, they admitted that they ate or drank less than 30 minutes before taking the GeNose test.”
However GeNose developer Dian Kesumapramudy says the test is overwhelmingly reliable and reduces the need for the invasive swab test which is currently the global standard. Mr Kesumapramudy said the blow-in test had an accuracy of 93 to 94 per cent when tested on almost 2000 civilians in 2020.
“I am confused why some people say that our research was not open. I have given speeches everywhere including in front of PDUI [the Association of Indonesian General Practitioners],” he said.
“Since December I have spoken about our research everywhere. In normal times, the procedures are to publicise your research first and after obtaining a patent you can start production. But we are not in a normal condition.
“I have said repeatedly that we started with a validated clinical testing. Evaluation has started at the time when we submitted our proposal. The team that tested our proposal and clinical testing came from various universities. They were not a team from the Health Ministry. They were competent experts in their fields.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Indonesia has recorded a total of 43,424 deaths and 1.6 million confirmed cases.
News of the new development came as Australia made moved to restore overseas travel with neighbouring New Zealand.
The restoration of the bubble between both nations has been labelled “monumental” and a “day of revival” by members in the tourism industry, which has been decimated since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the start of the trans-Tasman bubble across the ditch is a “milestone” even and a key move in both tourism and economic recovery for both nations.
“Today’s milestone is a win-win for Australians and New Zealanders, boosting our economies while keeping our people safe and just in time for ANZAC DAY,” Mr Morrison said.
“Both countries have done a remarkable job in protecting our communities from COVID and two-way flights are an important step in our road out.”
Mr Morrison said he’d like to allow Australians to travel further overseas for essential purposes in the second half of the year and return without having to undergo hotel quarantine, but they must be vaccinated to travel.
From today, Australians will be allowed to travel to New Zealand on ‘green zone’ flights without seeking an exemption from the current travel ban. New Zealand is the only country Australians can fly to without this exemption. No vaccination is required for travel, however passengers will be required to provide contact information for their time in New Zealand.
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