State test centers close, free PCR tests remain

The eleven Corona test centers in Berlin commissioned by the Senate will close as of this Thursday. However, people with a positive rapid test can still get a free PCR test elsewhere.

"The background to this is the current federal test regulation, which expires at the end of March," the Senate Department announced on Wednesday (March 30, 2022). This makes it necessary to terminate the contracts with the test centers commissioned by the Senate. The Senate had commissioned the Munich-based company 21DX to operate the state-owned test centres.

Entitlement to free PCR tests remains

"However, for persons who have received a positive test result through a rapid antigen test or self-test, or who have Covid-19-specific symptoms, remain entitled to free PCR testing," the Senate Department stated. Such a PCR test can still be carried out in numerous pharmacies. Those who do not have a positive rapid test but do have symptoms can also go to their general practitioner for this purpose.

Free citizen tests continue

Free rapid tests will also continue to be available at the approximately 900 commercial testing centers in Berlin. There, a PCR test can also be carried out free of charge after a positive rapid test.