An antibody that can identify and neutralize the coronavirus has been discovered by researchers. The approval of an antigen was announced last May 12 by the health minister, Kasunobu Kato. People who will have the antigen test will be covered by the national health insurance program. The antigen can detect the presence of a protein and is often used to detect influenza. If an individual tested negative in the antigen test, they will need to take the PCR test to confirm if they are infected. Health care professionals and other staff at medical facilities and its confirmed infected patients from the care facilities for the elderly will also be tested with the antigen to avoid the spread of infection.