Free Covid-19 rapid antigen tests for concession card holders amid hope third Omicron wave has peaked

With authorities banking on the third Covid wave passing, free RATs have been made available again for some people.

Vulnerable South Australians can access free rapid antigen home tests from Monday amid hope a third Covid-19 wave has passed.

SA Health will distribute kits at more than 50 RAT collection points, as well as PCR clinics at Aldinga, Bedford Park and Walkley Heights with more locations available if demand spikes.

The scheme emerged as senior government sources said the latest Omicron wave appears to have peaked ahead of Cabinet’s Emergency Management Council meeting on Tuesday.

They said it was unlikely any changes to rules will emerge from the meeting.

The state government agreed to fund free RATs until September 30 after a National Cabinet decision last month.

Since January, seniors, disabled people and other concession cardholders could receive up to 10 free rapid antigen tests every three months.

But fury erupted after the federal government revealed the subsidy would end on July 31.

Free RATs apply to those with pensioner concession, Commonwealth seniors health, health care, low income healthcare or veterans’ affairs concession cards holders.

But pharmacies will no longer provide free RATs after federal funding ended on Sunday.

Health Minister Chris Picton and Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Health Minister Chris Picton urged anyone who returned a negative RAT result, but continued to experience symptoms, to take a PCR lab test.

“(RATs) are an easy way to test and if you record a positive result then you can get quick access to lifesaving antivirals, which are now widely available to vulnerable groups,” he said.

“But please remember if you have symptoms and record a negative RAT then you will need to follow-up with a PCR test.

“As we deal with this current wave, it’s as important as ever for South Australians to get tested, stay home if unwell and do what we can to reduce community transmission.”

Chief public health officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, said new Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 now accounted for more than 80 per cent of SA cases.

“Testing and isolation remain critical elements of our Covid-19 response,” said Prof Spurrier, who last week left Covid isolation after recovering from the virus.

“Rapid testing allows us to find out who is infectious and along with isolation away from others and close contact management, stops chains of transmission to others.”

She said rapid testing worked well in regular surveillance for asymptomatic workers in sensitive workplaces such as aged care, health care, disability or correctional services.

The state’s Covid-19 chiefs will on Tuesday discuss latest modelling, hospital pressures and capacity as well as lax mask use on public transport.

A snapshot last Wednesday showed half of Covid hospital patients were only receiving treatment for the virus.

Mr Picton added: “Caring for people with Covid-19 in our hospitals requires increased infection control measures, whether or not they are in hospital primarily because of their infection.”

Authorities are concerned with poor government communication about transport rules, including signage and passenger announcement, along with overall compliance.

SA Health and the Transport Department have recently stepped up efforts to boost compliance. But officials have “educated” public transport users they must legally wear masks rather than issuing fines for any breaches.

Latest data shows a third of eligible people have had their a fourth dose.