A Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for COVID-19 should be taken if you have symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nasal congestion, or sneezing. It is also recommended if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness. Additionally, if you are at low risk of severe illness but have symptoms, a RAT is advised as an initial test. If you test negative but continue to have symptoms and are at higher risk of severe illness, you should consider follow-up PCR testing. It's best to take a RAT as soon as symptoms appear and repeat the test over the next several days if symptoms persist for better detection. In summary:

• Take a RAT immediately when you have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Take a RAT if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, especially before contacting vulnerable individuals.
• If symptoms are present but RAT is negative and you are at higher risk, see a doctor for further testing.
• Positive RAT results do not require confirmation by PCR.

These guidelines ensure early detection and help prevent spreading the virus to others, especially vulnerable populations.