Dominic Perrottet promises 100 million rapid antigen tests for vital workers

NSW will double its order of 50 million rapid antigen tests in a bid to ease pressure on the buckling health system, support the return-to-school plan and help those most in need.

The state government will double its order of 50 million rapid antigen tests for distribution to essential workers in the public workforce and vulnerable communities.

Premier Dominic Perrottet told The Sunday Telegraph the increased number of tests would ease pressure on the buckling health system, support the return-to-school plan for the end of the month and help those most in need.

Premier Dominic Perrottet is doubling the number of RATs coming to NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Distribution of 50 million rapid antigen tests will start from this month, with a further 50 million tests being sourced for procurement,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This will ensure supplies are provided to the most vulnerable in our community, and ensure they have immediate access to support and health advice as needed.

“It will also provide greater confidence to businesses and the community.”

Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres said the first batch would begin to arrive this week.

“NSW has an extremely high vaccination rate which enables us to move to the next phase of the pandemic, which includes rapid antigen testing,” he said.

The Premier and Mr Ayres will provide more detail on Sunday about when the tests will arrive.

Residents who test positive via a rapid antigen test will be required to register the result through Service NSW and NSW Health to be included in the daily figure, under a change in testing protocols ­announced by the government on Friday.

“As we move to rapid antigen tests over this next period of time we will be counting those positive RAT tests … ­including them as we have with PCR testing,” Mr Perrottet said.

NSW residents who receive a positive result from an at-home rapid test will be subject to the same requirements they would be if they received a positive PCR test, and must isolate for seven days.

Demand for rapid antigen tests has been far outstripping supply across Australia as ­people rush to self-swab for Covid-19.

Mr Perrottet last week said he would spare no expense to secure the kits.

Victoria announced on December 29 it would be rolling out 34 million rapid antigen tests for free during January.

The cost of providing free test for the country has been estimated at $13 billion a year.

Nick Logan, pictured at his pharmacy in Artarmon, is getting phone calls every couple of minutes from people wanting RATs. Picture: Julian Andrews

The Omicron strain of the virus has significantly increased demand for the tests, after the government announced confirmed close contacts and people with symptoms could conduct their own at-home tests.

RATs are sold out in many supermarkets, chemists and service stations around the country, and people are taking to social media to air their anger, fear and frustrations.

Tests that first hit the shelves for about $10 each are now going for $20-$25.

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