Rapid Covid tests being used by Racing NSW

Rapid Covid tests will be implemented to help students sit their HSC, but they are already used in one industry. This is how it works.

Rapid Covid tests are already in use in NSW and have successfully helped keep the racing industry running despite lockdowns to combat the highly contagious Delta variant.

Racing NSW anticipated the current crisis, ordered the machines and installed them at major metropolitan race tracks more than a week ago.

“These tests have proven to be invaluable. We have always aimed to be one step ahead and the implementation of these tests during the latest lockdown has allowed us to continue operating with confidence,” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said.

Dr John Saxon testing jockey Kathy O'Hara with a rapid testing Covid-19 machine at Randwick Racecourse on Wednesday. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Racing NSW sought the advice of its chief scientist before opting for the same machines that are in use at Singapore Airport.

The quick 15 minute testing turnaround meant every jockey, stablehand and official on course at Royal Randwick on Wednesday was Covid free. It has helped keep the industry running, ensuring the equivalent of 27,600 full time jobs and pumping an economic contribution of $3.5 billion into the embattled economy.

Jockey Kathy O’Hara took a rapid test before racing at Randwick yesterday and said: “The test is really quick, easy and painless.

“The rapid testing has been so important in allowing us to safely keep our industry going, as well as keeping so many people within the industry in their jobs.”

Dr John Saxon at Randwick Racecourse with a rapid testing Covid-19 test machine. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

A rapid testing Covid-19 test machine. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday said rapid antigen tests will be used to screen Year 12 students when they return to the classroom from August 16, and will also be rolled out across certain work sites and industries.

“We‘re really keen to make sure rapid antigen testing becomes part of our fight against the Covid,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“NSW Health will be talking to work sites and industry about how we can access rapid antigen testing and utilise it on the ground,” she said.

“We accept it‘s not as accurate as other types of testing, but at least it does give us an indication of where cases might be.”

“It‘s more likely to provide a positive test than not, which is not a bad thing.”

Businessman and Sydney Cricket Ground Trust chairman Tony Shepherd has been on a NSW Government working group that is looking at how rapid testing could help the state reopen.

“In the course of that we raised the example of NSW Racing and Health and Infrastructure NSW are now examining what’s available,” he said.

Mr Shepherd said Mr V’landys had shown “tremendous initiative” in ordering the machines more than a month ago and installing them to ensure racing operated within a Covid-safe bubble.

“He has worked out that rapid testing is an element that can provide an extra layer of protection for people attending events,” he said.

Mr Shepherd said the machines could also be used at construction sites to ensure everyone present was Covid free and on the door at restaurants and pubs.

The machines are already in use in countries including Singapore, the UK and France to allow people to enter venues knowing they are safe. “The machines are up to 95 per cent accurate,” he said.