Clinical assessment of SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid detection compared with RT-PCR assay for emerging variants at a high-throughput community testing site in Taiwan

•The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) B1.1.7 lineage was prevalent in April 2021 and spread into Taiwan.•The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Antigen Rapid Test Kit (ART) can detect SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variants.•ART can be used in densely populated areas for symptomatic or asymptomatic subjects.•ART and RT-PCR combined can improve COVID-19 diagnosis and curb community transmission.