Woolworths to roll out Covid-19 rapid antigen testing across all Australian distribution sites

A major change that could detect Covid-19 cases earlier is coming to Woolworths sites across the country following a successful trial in Sydney.

Woolworths is working to roll out rapid antigen testing across all of its distribution sites across the country following a successful trial of the Covid-19 tool at four worksites in Sydney.

Since August 27 Woolworths has conducted 21,439 tests with 10 positive rapid antigen testing results.

Those cases were then screened through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, where seven returned positive.

Woolworths team members and contractors must now conduct tests in a pop-up clinic before entering the four distribution sites in Sydney.

Woolworths wants to roll out rapid antigen testing across all of its distribution sites across the country. Picture: Adam Yip

Woolworths Group Covid response lead Ross Spencer said Woolworths had not had a major Covid-19 outbreak in its Sydney distribution centres as a result of rapid antigen testing.

“Following the early success in Sydney, we’re working to roll out rapid antigen testing across all our distribution centres in Australia in the coming weeks,” he said.

“Rapid antigen tests are quick and easy and have helped us detect Covid-19 cases in team members without symptoms – this is key when dealing with the Delta variant.”

Rapid antigen testing – which can test for Covid-19 and deliver a result in just 15 minutes – has been the source of much debate in Australian parliament, with some politicians saying the country should have adopted the approach sooner.

Woolworths team members and contractors must now conduct tests in a pop-up clinic before entering the four distribution sites in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Rapid antigen testing has been widely used across Europe and the United States since the start of the year.

Last month Woolworths had more than 500 supply chain team members forced into isolation as close and casual contacts.

Mr Spencer said the workforce impact caused “gaps on shelves” but rapid antigen testing had proved a solution.

“Proactive measures like rapid antigen testing are proving effective and helping keep our team members, and their families as safe as possible,” he said.

“Importantly, they’re also helping get product supply back on track, with a full workforce in our distribution centres ramping up deliveries to our stores.”