Antigenic tests do not rule out the possibility of COVID infection at the inauguration of Pedro Pierluisi

Antigen testing for detection COVID-19 -which elected governor Pedro Pierluisi requires each of the 400 guests to take over – they are not as reliable as the molecule (PCR) and can produce between 10% and 20% negative negatives.

Out of 400 guests, this percentage of inaccuracy can give room for at least one or two infected people, but without symptoms, to participate in the event this Saturday, explained doctor Fernando Cabanillas. One person with the virus can infect, on average, three other people.

He added that given that there is a 3% prevalence of asymptomatic people in Puerto Rico, but with the virus, “12 infected people would be expected” in the jury, which would be reduced to one or two after performing antigenic tests. .

“It makes sense for the tests to be done, but the question is really what test and with what anticipation, because someone does it a week before and in that week he could have been infected,” the doctor said.

“You have to see the name of the test as such that the guests will present. Either it’s really the antigen test, or it’s a molecular test (PCR), which is more reliable than the antigen test. If it is indeed an antigen test, the chances of them having a false negative are higher than in the case of a molecular test, “he added.

On Wednesday, Health Secretary Lorenzo Gonzalez approved Pierluisi’s inauguration. “All these people who come to this type of activity are educated, aware, recognize the symptoms and can generate a response,” he said, which generated greater discomfort in the face of the wave of criticism that the event raised, especially on social networks.

Cabanillas said he saw no reason for Pierluisi to invite “so many people” to his inauguration. “The more people there are, the more chances there are of contagion,” he said.

Appointed Secretary of Health Carlos Mellado was not available yesterday to react. Meanwhile, Pierluisi’s spokeswoman, Sheila Angleró, indicated in El Nuevo Día’s questions that the test that will be required of each guest must be paid for by the guest.

In addition, he said the test must have been done, “as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” 72 hours or less before the event, which will take place in the northern part of the Chapter.