The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) has set a target to provide training to 5,000 local health volunteers and scientists nationwide so they can instruct the public on how to correctly use antigen test kits (ATKs).
Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the DMS, said the department has started providing training to health volunteers and scientists working in Phitsanulok province under a project that will soon be expanded across the country.
He said the department has also worked with the Federation of Thai Industries to train workers from 2,000 factories, via an online platform, on how to use ATKs.
These workers have been instructed on how to dispose of infected waste and read test results, he said, adding they have been given advice on how to coordinate with Covid-19 patients and conduct treatment plans and allocate ATKs.
Dr Supakit said the department has implemented the "Covid-Free Setting" measure to encourage people to keep up their guard and arrange regular Covid-19 tests for employers.
People considered at high risk of contracting the disease are to be tested with ATKs every three to five days, while those considered at low risk can test every seven days, he said.
A volunteer training session can be divided into two sections: one covering instructions on ATK-use, what to do when infected and how to wear protective suits, while another touches on infections at fresh markets and communities, people returning from at-risk areas and testing patients, he said.
Dr Attaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the National Health Security Office, invited people -- regardless of their universal health care coverage status -- to add the @nhso handle on Line so they can have direct access to tests.