Generous donations of antigen rapid tests and protective masks from TaiDoc Technology Corp. and NAN LIU Enterprises respectively, were yesterday presented to the Embassy of St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Republic of China/Taiwan.

A total of 20,000 antigen rapid tests were handed over; 10,000 as donations and 10,000 on the basis of a purchasing agreement reached between the Embassy and the company.

A release from the Embassy said these specific tests have been described as being “significantly faster and more accurate than other similar antigen rapid tests”.

“They are also described as being simple to use and capable of delivering test results within 15 minutes. Combined with RT-PCR detection, these tests could greatly reduce the critical requirements of laboratory equipment, personnel training and hardware conditions which place huge pressure and have a high impact on a country’s government and medical system in the midst of battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” the release said.

Meanwhile, NAN LIU Enterprises, the largest facial mask producing company in Taiwan, has donated 200,000 masks, through the Embassy, to the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. These masks have all been imprinted with the flag of SVG and the full shipment of antigen rapid tests and masks is expected to arrive in the country “sooner rather than later”, the release said.