Canberrans who test positive for COVID-19 with a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) can now notify ACT Health directly via the Territory’s pandemic website.
The new feature follows an announcement earlier this month from Chief Minister, Andrew Barr that people with a positive RAT result are no longer required to have a PCR test to confirm that they have COVID-19.
Mr Barr said the RAT result reporting feature would provide more accurate data, better connect people with care and help alleviate the need to wait in long queues at testing centres.
“This new reporting system means ACT Health is now able to track people testing positive to COVID-19 through a RAT and will give us a clearer picture about the spread of COVID-19 in the ACT,” he said.
“It will also help to alleviate the long queues we have seen at our testing centres and make PCR testing more readily available for those specific groups that now require it.
“We are working to secure greater supply of tests for the ACT, including the purchase of one million test kits in partnership with NSW and our own orders.”
Mr Barr said people with a positive RAT result should refer to the ACT COVID-19 website and follow the instructions on what to do.
Acting Minister for Health, Chris Steel said people reporting positive RAT results could be linked with ACT Health support services to manage their illness.
“People who notify ACT Health of a positive RAT result will receive the same supports as anyone who tests positive to a PCR test at an ACT Government clinic,” Mr Steel said.
“Everyone who tests positive will have the option to be enrolled in the COVID-19 Care@Home program, which supports people isolating at home with COVID-19,” he said.
“There are a number of vulnerable people within our community who may be eligible for certain treatments.”
Mr Steel said this included people who were significantly immunocompromised, pregnant or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and aged over 55.
“If this applies to you, and you have had a positive RAT result, you should contact the COVID Care@Home team at Canberra Health Services,” he said.
Further information on registering a positive RAT result can be accessed at this PS News link.
