Health officials have approved rapid do-it-yourself coronavirus antigen tests, it was revealed last night.

A health ministry spokeswoman said the tests could now be imported for personal use after a review.

But she added: “It is important to note that there are many fake antigen tests on the market, so the Department of Health will maintain, in collaboration with HM Customs, an oversight role to check and protect importers from fake goods.”

Officials said antigen tests were a rapid screening tool and a positive result should be followed up with the established PCR test.

The spokeswoman warned: “Antigen tests cannot be used to second-guess public health instructions to quarantine or isolate.

“Public health tests are based on PCR test results or a risk assessments by the Ministry of Health officers.”

The spokeswoman added it was hoped that the public could use the antigen tests “to empower themselves – whether vaccinated or not – to protect vulnerable persons in their midst, for example, before visiting an elderly relative or before attending a social gathering with loved ones”.