25 May Singapore approves Covid Breath
(GS PAPER 2, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
SOURCE: THE HINDU)
Context:
Singapore has approved a covid breath test which detects covid-19 and shows the accurate results in less than a minute.
Who developed the test?
The test has been developed by a start-up called Breathonix.
About the test kit
The test kit works in a manner similar to standard breathalyzer test which is used by police to check for erratic drunken drivers. To test, a person first blows into a one-way valve mouthpiece. Then, compounds in a person’s breath are compared through machine learning software. It compares against a sort of breath signature which is a symptom of a person who is Covid-positive.
How is the Singapore test currently?
Before this test kit was approved Singapore was screening the incoming travellers with antigen rapid tests. Now, a breath test will be used to screen incoming travellers from Malaysia.
Significance of the test
Breath test provided accurate tests within a minute. This will help in opening the travel sector which has slowed amid the covid-19 pandemic. It will help in opening up the international borders.
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