RAT demand empties shelves but stock on the way

FNQ chemists have sold out of rapid antigen tests but one pharmacy said it will have 18,000 arriving next week to satisfy initial demand by Cairns residents as Covid numbers soar.

AS Covid numbers increase across FNQ, Cairns residents desperate to buy a rapid antigen test have emptied the shelves, but local pharmacists have said thousands will be available next week.

At WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods Manoora, pharmacist Vince Pappalardo, said they will have 18,000 kits due in a few days.

Cairns is experiencing a severe shortage of Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits, following the Queensland Government's announcement this week that the tests can be used in certain circumstances to replace the more expensive and slow Covid-19 PCR tests. Co owner of WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods Vince Pappalardo will receive a delivery of 18,000 All Test Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test kits on January 6. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We have a few hundred emergency kits coming in over the two days and then on January 6, I am confident our order for 18,000 rapid antigen tests will arrive,” Mr Pappalardo said.

“We wanted to ensure that everyone who needed to has the opportunity to get the rapid antigen test.”

Cairns is experiencing a severe shortage of Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits, following the Queensland Government's announcement this week that the tests can be used in certain circumstances to replace the more expensive and slow Covid-19 PCR tests. Co owner of WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods Vince Pappalardo will receive a delivery of 18,000 All Test Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test kits on January 6. Picture: Brendan Radke

At Terry White Chemart Cairns Central, pharmacist Renee Maher said the demand for kits has been intense.

“Our phones have been ringing non-stop by people wanting the tests, we have now sold out,” Ms Maher said.

“We are waiting on more stock which will hopefully arrive early next week.”

WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods pharmacy assistant Rachel Epong with an All Test Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test kit, which will be delivered to the pharmacy on January 6. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Maher said if people looked to purchase kits online, they should ensure that the product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Currently the average online price of a 2-pack test was around $24.99 with a 5-pack listed at around $49.99.

Originally published as RAT demand empties shelves but stock on the way