Rostock (dpa/mv) – The regulations will change in the corona test centers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania from this Friday. One of the most important innovations is that people with symptoms typical of Covid 19 should go to the doctor to undergo a free test, the Ministry of Health announced on Thursday in Schwerin.

The new federal ordinance also provides that residents, those cared for and visitors to medical and care facilities or children under the age of five can take advantage of free quick tests in test stations. “The Federal Ministry of Health advises against testing without cause in a test station or medical facility,” it said. If you still want to be tested in the test center, you have to bear the full costs.

People who have contact with a person who is particularly at risk from the virus on the day of the test or who attend an event indoors on the day of the test are entitled to a so-called three-euro citizen test. “This also applies if the Corona warning app indicates an increased risk,” said Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD).

She added that home self-tests are an important protective tool. “Especially in view of the increasing number of infections, we should deal with the situation responsibly, especially with a view to risk groups.” If a positive self-test is presented, a PCR test is free that creates certainty.

Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) had emphasized that the tests were important, but too expensive for the state in their current form. In addition, abuse by test centers must be limited.