The Department of Health is in the process of providing free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to more than a million households.
Under Health’s RATs program, each household is eligible for five individual tests which will be delivered after they register online. People who cannot register online can contact 13 26843 for assistance in placing their order.
Once registered, people will receive confirmation with a unique order number which is required if they elect to collect their free RATs from a designated collection point in the metropolitan area.
Welcoming the program, the Department said RATs were recognised as an accurate diagnostic tool for COVID-19 as they supported the PCR test method which remained available across the State.
“Additional RATs are also supplied to testing clinics to supplement the PCR system and free RATs are also available for pick up at pharmacies for eligible concession card holders,” the Department said.
“In addition to households, the State Government will provide RATs to the Community Service Sector, and schools and childcare providers, to ensure they have supplies when the critical worker furloughing policy is in action.”
Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson said making RATs freely available through the program was a significant step in preparing Western Australians for the next stage of COVID-19.
“Providing quick, accurate results to community members while minimising movement and potential spread of COVID-19 is a convenient option for Western Australians, and this program helps to enable this,” Ms Sanderson said.
“Anyone who returns a positive RAT must register their result with the Department of Health, isolate immediately and follow the relevant positive case guidance,” she said.
