End of free tests for all: “I prefer to pay than to be vaccinated” Against Covid-19

Friday, first day of the end of free PCR and antigenic tests for non-vaccinated, pharmacies and Metz laboratories have achieved a lot less tests than previous Fridays.

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It is noon. For Alicia, it’s usually the shot. For several weeks, the operator has spent his days under a thornel drawn up in front of a pharmacy in the city center of Metz. “Here, antigenic tests, results in fifteen minutes”, can we read at the entrance. “People often come to be tested during the lunch break, she says. Usually, at this hour, I have already practiced fifty tests.” But this Friday, October 15, first day of the end of free PCR and antigenic tests for non-vaccinated, time seems longer. “I did only eighteen tests since my posting. Normally, Friday is the most charged day.”

For unvaccinated major patients, an antigenic test now costs 25 euros when done in pharmacy, 22 euros in the laboratory. Only those who benefit from a prescription or who have been identified as contacts can benefit from free. Mathieu, 38, has just disbursed 44 euros for a PCR test it needs for a professional trip. He does not hide his anger: “I understand that the tests are paying because all of this is very expensive at health insurance. But while we pay everyone, including people vaccinated!” He refuses to To hear about the Pfizer vaccine or that of Moderna and will not change his habits: “I did not practice me hard,” he said. Since the establishment of the health care, I boycot the institutions that require it. And I screw very well as well. “

Tristan, 32 years old, is more worried. He too does not want to be vaccinated. The young man, who says to work in real estate, invokes “the lack of recoil”, “the money of the Labos” and some “Fake News” circulating on the internet. But he did not give up living. For two months, its weeks have been punctuated by two passages at the pharmacy: “I come every Tuesday to be able to go to the gym and every Friday to go out on weekends.” The aperitif with friends has just cost him 25 euros, even before ordered the first drink. He makes his calculation: “It’s been 50 euros a week, 200 euros per month. I can not afford it.” Direction the vaccination center? “Never’s life! I’m not going to let go now,” he says. I’ll go out, I’ll save money. “

” It’s expensive “

Under his tent, Alicia smiled by evoking these “accustomed” who come to see her twice a week: “It’s always the same, she says. I do not even need to ask their birth dates, I know them by heart. “She is categorical:” They will not be vaccinated “. And if they are fewer, this Friday is because many had anticipated the end of free. “Thursday, we made twice as many tests as usual,” confirms the secretary of one of Metz’s largest analysis laboratories.

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/Media reports.