Expats On Gibraltar To Get New Antibody Tests

Expats on Gibraltar may be first in the UK to get covid-19 antibody tests.

The Rock is due to receive a total of 35,000 antibody test kits over the next few weeks. According to research in several countries including South Korea, the results will confirm by identifying antibodies whether those who’ve been infected are immune to further infections. The results will be included in a countrywide study which is to also include cross-border workers living in Spain.

Known as the Abbot antibody test, this version is considered far more reliable than the finger-prick antibody i.d. test now being used in many other countries across the world. It’s hoped to be able to prove the virus was infecting Gibraltarians and expats on the Rock as early as late December, when many residents were feeling unwell. Some 500 tests and their processes on a daily basis is the target, and the numbers of covid-19 swabs are due to increase to 300 a day over the next several weeks.

To date, just over 14 per cent of Gibraltar’s population has been swab-tested, with actual numbers of tests now at around 4,500. A new testing facility has been opened at the Rock’s university building, capable of testing and processing between 100 and 300 actual tests per day. The new lab itself will contribute to the government’s tracking strategy, thus controlling the spread of the deadly infection. At present, the Rock has just three active cases, with recovery totals now at 144.