Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to check for the COVID virus are now available from the ACT’s libraries, filling in where the Commonwealth’s free RATs for pensioners scheme were finished on 31 July.
Announced by Acting Minister for Health, Chris Steel, ACT Health and Transport Canberra and City Services worked together to ensure the supply for concession card holders continued.
“It is very important that people who need to take a COVID-19 test can have easy and affordable access to one,” Mr Steel said.
“This is especially true for Canberrans who are on a concession card, many of whom are also at a higher risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19,” he said.
“Libraries are conveniently located across Canberra and we are very grateful for their assistance in distributing these tests to concession card holders.”
Mr Steel said concession card holders who were feeling well could collect free RATs from their local ACT library (excluding the Heritage Library), but those with COVID-19 symptoms should collect a RAT from the Garran Surge Centre or get a PCR test at a Government testing clinic.
He said Canberrans could collect up to three RATs for each person listed on their concession card.
“People attending ACT Libraries are encouraged to wear a mask and physically distance as much as possible while inside the facilities,” the Minister said.
“Do not come to an ACT Library if you have any symptoms – you should instead attend a COVID-19 testing centre.”
