Coles, Woolworths to start selling Covid-19 rapid antigen testing kits

Getting a test for Covid-19 will soon become a lot easier with major supermarkets across Australia set to introduce a new item to its shelves.

Covid testing kits will soon be sold at selected supermarkets across the country as Australia continues its staged reopening plan.

Coles confirmed the Hough Pharma Covid Antigen Nasal Test would be sold behind service desks at selected stores and online as early as next week.

While the Chinese-manufactured test, one of eight approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, would also be on shelves at selected Woolworths stores from early November.

The test will come in packs of two and five, expected to be sold for between $10 and $30.

The test will come in packs of two and five, expected to be sold for between $10 and $30. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Users could gently swab their nose and throat from the comfort of their own home, with a result produced in just 15 minutes.

People who return a positive rapid antigen test result would then need to present to a Covid-19 testing station for a standard PCR test.

Australia’s medical regulator just this month ticked off on the use of approved at-home Covid-19 testing kits from November 1.

But until then, rapid antigen tests could only be used under clinical supervision.

The tests have previously been used in workplaces, aged care facilities and hospitals.

Woolworths ran a trial across four of its distribution sites in Sydney in late August where all staff and contractors were required to conduct a rapid antigen test before entering the workplace. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Woolworths ran a trial across four of its distribution sites in Sydney in late August where all staff and contractors were required to conduct a rapid antigen test in a pop-up clinic before entering the workplace.

The supermarket giant deemed the trial a success and then rolled out the 15-minute testing across all of its distribution sites in Australia.

“We’re now looking to stock at home self-test kits, which have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, in selected stores from early November,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“HealthyLife will have tests shipping to customers from 1 November. Customers can pre-order them now, and also visit HealthyLife.com.au for more information on rapid antigen testing.”

Originally published as Coles, Woolworths to start selling Covid-19 rapid antigen testing kits