COVID-19
In The Field
WA will provide 5 million free RATs to homes and ECEC services
Freya Lucas
Mar 02, 2022
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More than five million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be sent directly to the home address of Western Australians, the only jurisdiction in Australia to do so in a bid to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
"Every Western Australian deserves to have access to a rapid test, no matter who they are and no matter where they live across WA,” Premier Mark McGowan said."The distribution of free RATs aligns with when Western Australia is set to record significantly higher case numbers, providing access to tests when Western Australians will need these the most.”
Under the program, each Western Australian household is eligible for five individual tests. Households are able to register online and have the tests delivered to their home address.
The program will also support the Community Service Sector, and schools and early childhood providers to ensure they have supplies when the critical worker furloughing policy is in action.
Those who are unable to register online can contact 13 COVID (13 26843) for assistance in placing their order. To register, people are required to provide their name, contact number, email and home address.
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.
Collection for registered orders opened from Monday at the Perth Airport collection point, with other points expected to be online shortly. For those who opt for home delivery delays of up to 15 business days are expected, with regional areas being prioritised initially.
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.
It is mandatory for people who return a positive RAT to register their result online with the Department of Health. Those who do not have access to the online registration system must still report their positive test result by contacting 13 COVID (13 26843).
More information about the WA Free RAT Program, managing COVID and isolation protocols can be viewed here.
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