The Queensland Government has secured 18 million State Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and is providing them free of charge to those classified as close contacts by public testing sites.
This includes 12 million home tests and about 6 million point of care tests.
Rapid antigen testing at home is provided by public testing sites, close contacts, and COVID-19-positive people who require testing under public health instructions.
Queensland Prime Minister Anastasia Paraschuk said the supply would support close liaison and a new national protocol for the frontline workforce.
“Global demand for rapid antigen test kits is important,” Palaszczuk said on Monday.
“Securing an additional 12 million home tests in Queensland will help meet demand when moving to new nationally agreed quarantine and testing requirements for close contact. Additional supplies will arrive in the coming weeks. “
As supply increases in line with the December 30 agreement in the National Cabinet on a new definition of close contact, there will be a gradual shift to increase PCR testing with RAT for close contact.
Close contact information is required to immediately undergo a RAT test, quarantine for 7 days, and perform additional tests on the 6th day.
“We know that the move to RAT testing for close contact will reduce some of the pressure seen in testing clinics over the last few weeks and ensure that people with symptoms can be tested faster. “I am,” said Premier.
Due to supply shortages, RAT tests will arrive in small numbers next week and are expected to be high in late January.
Queensland residents with COVID-19 symptoms should continue to attend Queensland Health or a private testing center to perform PCR testing.
Palaszczuk said an additional 12 million RAT test kits have been added to Queensland Health’s nearly 6 million Point of Care RAT stockpile for use within the hospital system.
Health Minister Yvette Darth said the best advice for Queenslanders is to get vaccinated.
“Although cases continue to surge across the state, the best precautions against serious illness and hospitalization are vaccination and, if possible, booster immunization,” said D’Ath. increase.
“The walk-in vaccination center continues to operate throughout the state, and children in Queensland between the ages of 5 and 11 will have access to the vaccine from January 10.”
On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the states and territories would be offered 10 million additional RAT tests.
If you have a concession card, you can get up to 10 RAT tests in 3 months and up to 5 RAT tests in 1 month for free through the pharmacy.
As of January 6, Queensland has recorded 10,332 new COVID-19 cases and one death, setting a new record for the state’s daily routine.
follow