The COVID-19 testing lab will be temporarily closed on January 3 due to overwhelming demand in New South Wales, Australia, and then gradually reopened on January 4.
This happens after authorities have changed the confirmed case and Scott Morrison’s definition of “close contact.” December 30 He outlined the government’s new program and urged the public not to line up for PCR tests if not needed.
The situation is exacerbated by the low inventory of ready-made rapid antigen tests (RATs) aimed at replacing PCR tests and rising prices.
There is a growing demand for federal and state governments to make RAT available for free on a large scale.
Morrison said at a Monday show on Monday that a free RAT is already available at the test hub for those who need it.
“We are now in a pandemic stage where we cannot free everything,” he said.
“Whenever someone says they want something free, someone will always pay for it and it will be you.”
Officials will meet this week to discuss discounted RAT prices for concession cardholders.
However, opponents criticized the government’s approach to testing, and undiagnosed people were unable to obtain timely PCR results and could not find a rapid test kit, thus causing the virus in the community. He said it would spread.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has criticized the federal government for failing to meet the demand for off-the-shelf and PCR tests.
“he [the Prime Minister] It was wrong not to prepare for the full availability of rapid antigen testing. And you shouldn’t price them from the people who can get them. People who cannot afford them should be given them. That’s the truth of the matter, “Albanese said at the Today Show.
Albanese said the results would be “disastrous” if rapid testing was not freely available.
Meanwhile, Mario Tascone, director of Chemist Warehouse, is asking us to remove the GST from the RAT kit.
The pharmacy giant currently sells RAT for $ 50 per 5 packs. When GST is lifted, consumer prices will drop to $ 45.
“Saving $ 5 over 5 packs is important for most families,” says Tascone. Told Sunrise on Tuesday.
According to Tascone, the only restrictions are the speed and number of flights to Sydney and free from customs.
Supply is expected to pharmacies in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, and inventories in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia are expected on Wednesday.
Recent holidays and staff shortages have contributed to inventory delays, which are expected to be resolved within a few days, and RATs will be delivered to state-wide pharmacies later this week and early next week.
According to Tascone, it takes about three weeks from the time an item is ordered to it arrives in Australia.
“When everyone noticed that everything was out of control, everyone received the orders, but they are all currently in production. There is a slight delay before they arrive in Australia. I have.”
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