Vital tool to tackle Covid spike scrapped

As health authorities warn we’re entering the “worst phase” of the pandemic, a vital tool for containing the spread is being abandoned.

Free rapid antigen tests will be scrapped by the end of the month, leaving concession card holders such as seniors and disabled people in the lurch.

Concession card holders were able to get up to 20 free RATs, with a maximum of five each month, over a six-month period.

The tests have been subsidised for Australians since January and the program was extended for an additional three months in April.

However, there are concerns that ending the program now in the midst of what health authorities are calling the “worst phase” of the pandemic so far will help to increase cases.

Chemist Warehouse director Mario Tascone called on the government to extend the subsidy.

Rapid antigen tests will cease to be free for concession card holders from July 31. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“This cohort really does need equitable access to rapid antigen tests,” Mr Tascone told 2GB on Tuesday morning.

Mr Tascone said he asked the Department of Health last week to extend the program but was told it was going ahead with the.

Chemist Warehouse sold almost as many RATs in the last week as it did in the previous six months.

A pack of five tests sells for $39.99 at Chemist Warehouse – meaning concession card holders could be $159 out of pocket.

“If you are eligible, go into your pharmacy and get your supply before the end of the month,” Mr Tascone warned.

Major demand for rapid antigen tests during the January outbreak led to the subsidy program. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Australian Medical Association vice-president Chris Moy told the Today show on Monday that we were “facing a really big threat”.

“I’ve not heard health authorities so worried for quite a period of time behind the scenes because we’re extremely worried about facing BA. 4 and 5 Omicron variants which are more infectious and cause more reinfections,” Dr Moy said.

“More people are ending up in hospital just when our hospitals are absolutely chock-a-block full because they’ve been neglected for so long.

“We’re just about to enter a much worse phase.”

Concession card holders have until July 31 to make the most of the free rapid antigen tests at their local pharmacy.