Fines up to $1k for failing to report Covid-positive rapid antigen test – but only one place in SA to get them free

Anyone who records a positive result on a rapid antigen test must report it or face a big fine – we've created this step-by-step guide for getting, conducting, and reporting a RAT.

The Premier has outlined how the new rapid antigen testing system will work. It is for people who are close contacts of a positive case, but who do not have symptoms.

It will be compulsory to report a positive result on a rapid antigen test (RAT) – and people who don’t notify SA Health will face a $1000 fine.

Notification of a positive result is mandatory for tests purchased privately as well as the free tests given to registered close contacts, but negative results do not have to be reported.

There will be just one collection point for RATs when the new system starts on Thursday.

That distribution point will be in the south parklands, raising issues of access for close contacts in country areas as well as metropolitan residents with limited transport options.

In his daily Covid briefing, Premier Steven Marshall said the initial “supersite” in the south parklands off Greenhill Road would have a capacity of around 13,000 people a day.

“The plan is to open 10 or 11 more sites in the next week, metropolitan and regional,” he said, asking people to be patient while the system was established.

“We expect people to do the right thing (but) there are penalties if you don’t. In extreme situations we can take people to court and I think the expiation is $1000 for an individual and $5000 for a corporation.”

From Thursday, close contacts will be able to log on and register with SA Health how many close contacts are in their household. They will receive a receipt allowing them to pick up two free RATs for use at home rather than lining up for the more reliable PCR tests.

But with just one collection site, it appears the new system is destined to start with queues.

Mr Marshall outlined some changes to how the system will work.

People who log on to the SA Health website to register as a close contact will receive a receipt, rather than a QR code, to collect their two free RATs.

People who test positive on a RAT will no longer have to get a confirmation PCR test.

Mr Marshall said he expected some “teething problems” with the new system and noted close contacts who have trouble getting to the south parklands site still have the option of getting a PCR test from sites around the state.

The south parklands site will be open from 7am-9pm.

Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade told ABC Radio Adelaide on Wednesday morning that more collection points will be rolled out in coming days.

He stressed the distribution point for free RATs is only for close contacts and pleaded with the public “not to present if you are not a close contact”.

How to register your positive RAT result

Most states now provide an online form where you can register a positive Rapid Antigen Test result.

In some states, registration for positive for Rapid Antigen Test is complulsory. You will need to register the result or face a fine.

Here’s how to do it in the states where it is available.

• Register in Victoria

• Register in New South Wales

• Register in Queensland

• Register in South Australia

• Register in Northern Territory

• Register in Tasmania

 

During Mr Wade’s interview, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Elizabeth Dabars rang in to complain about workloads on nurses, claiming nurses are being asked to wash and reuse face shields.

“People can’t get a break to drink a bit of water before they put their PPE back on,” she said.

“We are really concerned that if this system is under significant pressure right now, we’re going to have the nursing and midwifery staff in the hospital beds, there won’t be room for patients because it will be the nurses who can’t manage because they can’t even get a drink.”

Mr Wade responded by noting the intake of graduate nurses had doubled from 600 to 1200 and non-elective surgery had been cancelled as part of efforts to ease pressure on health workers.

Ellie Wilkinson picks up her rapid antigen tests from the collection site in Adelaide’s Southern Parklands off Greenhill Rd. Picture Emma Brasier

Opposition health spokesman Chris Picton said as the new system is about to start there was still confusion. He called for RATs to be made free for all, not just close contacts.

“We don’t know what the sites are, what hours they will be open, what the criteria is to get one, how can people get one if they don’t have a car, and what the (tracking) system will involve,” he said.

Hot weather saw SA Health close Victoria Park, Ridgehaven, Bedford Park and Tailem Bend test stations between 11am and 6pm on Tuesday, and more disruptions are expected on Wednesday – see the latest wait times here.

Zoe Murray wrote on SA Health’s Facebook page: “We drove 50km to a booked test to be turned away when we got there as they had closed.”

A new Covid-19 vaccination booster clinic opens today at the Mile End netball stadium, initially taking 5000 patients a week and expanding to take 15,000 in coming weeks.

The site will offer Moderna booster doses and be open 8am-4pm, seven days a week, for booked clients.