WILLEMSTAD - Since Friday, there has been a maximum price for the antigen self-tests for Covid-19. The tests have been included in the regulation on maximum margins for retailers and wholesalers based on a ministerial decision by Minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development (MEO).

"We have a free market, but we are also in the middle of a pandemic that affects us all," Cijntje wrote in a statement earlier. The self-tests can be sold again in Curaçao since January 1, but the prices were far apart. The maximum prices are intended to protect consumers.

The wholesalers are allowed to make a maximum of fifteen percent profit on the antigen tests. A maximum of 25 percent applies to shops such as the pharmacies. The MEO inspection will check that the prices are not exceeded.