Tasmanian Australia Post outlets to become collection centres for rapid antigen tests

Post offices across Tasmania will soon stock Covid-19 rapid antigen tests, but but there’s a catch, not everyone will be able to buy them over the counter. DETAILS >>>

TASMANIAN Australia Post outlets will soon become collection points for rapid antigen tests, amid a surge in demand for the quick-response Covid-19 indicators.

Health authorities are in negotiations with Australia Post on the distribution of the tests at 170 outlets across Tasmania, with details to be finalised in coming days.

It comes amid high demand nationwide for rapid antigen tests, which can deliver a result in about 15 minutes, with most pharmacies selling out of the sought-after item.

Rapid antigen tests have been playfully described by some as the new toilet paper hoarding item, but officials say Tasmanians should wait for direction before trying to access them.

“Don’t just turn up to ask for one. You’ll be directed by the department of health to do so,’’ State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said.

Rapid antigen tests are in high demand. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Morgan-Wicks said more information would be provided in coming days, but it was important the tests were prioritised for those who really needed them.

Tasmanians who return a positive reading on a RAT are asked to phone the Public Health Hotline to arrange a PCR test to confirm the case.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the imminent availability of rapid antigen tests would be especially important for those in rural and regional areas.

“I know that there’s a great deal of interest in people wanting to utilise these RAT tests, but if you’re not a close contact and you’re not symptomatic, use common sense,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

“If you are symptomatic, make certain you get a test.”

Premier Peter Gutwein on Saturday January 1, 2022. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Morgan-Wicks said it was crucial the system was not held up with people presenting for testing who did not require it.

“It is important the PCR testing ... is prioritised for people who are symptomatic, a symptomatic close contact or someone that has had a positive result on a rapid antigen test,’’ she said.

“If you have no symptoms and you are not a close contact and you have not been directed by Public Health to test, there is no need for you to use a rapid antigen test or to try and book in for PCR.

“It is critical that we preserve our PCR and rapid antigen testing to those who actually need it.”

State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks. Picture: Linda Higginson

Of Tasmania’s current active cases, 224 are being managed through the Covid@Home program, with the majority experiencing mild symptoms.

For those positive cases who cannot isolate at home, 79 are being managed in dedicated case management facilities statewide.

Meanwhile, many whose symptoms are particularly mild have opted out of the Covid@Home program, but remain isolating in suitable premises.

Rapid tests ‘the new toilet paper hoarding’ as Tassie runs low

PHARMACISTS are running out of Covid rapid antigen tests amid concerns some Tasmanians may be stockpiling them.

Pharmacy Guild of Tasmania president Helen O’Byrne said she believed most other states were in a similar position and she hoped more supplies would be available in the next week.

“Potentially people are stockpiling them because they are feeling anxious and that is completely understandable,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“We are in unknown territory and people don’t know how to react.”

She said the rapid antigen tests (RAT) should only be used by people with Covid symptoms or who had been in close contact with a positive case.

“We need to educate people about their use,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“They are best used if people have Covid symptoms but it you are well, have been wearing a mask, using hand sanitiser and social distancing you probably don’t need a test.”

Pharmacist John Dowling of Terry White Chemmart at Latrobe who has sold out of RAT kits.

Like many other pharmacists, John Dowling at Latrobe ran out of RAT on Wednesday and believes he may have to wait two weeks to get more.

“It’s a bit of a shemozzle really that people will have to wait two weeks for a RAT,” he said.

“We had a rush on them just before Christmas and I think people got them just in case – it was a preventative thing.

“I hope we can get supplies brought forward but it could be January 14 before they arrive. It is unusual that you can get them in the south and not here.”

Premier Peter Gutwein on Thursday warned about panic buying of RAT.

“Rapid antigen tests shouldn’t become the new toilet paper hoarding,” he said.

The health department and government minister Guy Barnett have moved to allay concerns at the lack of availability with 500,000 available and two million on order.

Guy Barnett

Mr Barnett said the state had enough supplies of RAT but it was “going to be tight in the next couple of weeks”.

“But then there will be absolutely adequate number of rapid antigen test supplies available through our chemists and pharmacies and also through other centres we will be setting up in Tasmania,” he said.

State health commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said RAT collection sites had been established at Glenorchy and Rokeby because of heavy demand and other collections sites would be established around the state.

“People in Northern and North West Tasmania should continue to have PCR testing for the time being,” she said.

“Statewide distribution of RATs for close contacts is being put in place.

“If you become a close contact and do not have access to a RAT please contact the Public Health Hotline for assistance to obtain a RAT or PCR if you are symptomatic.”

The Pharmacy Guild is trying to get RAT free or available on prescription – a move back by the health workers’ union.

Health and Community Services Union Tim Jacobson speaks to the media in Hobart on Thursday August 26, 2021.

HACSU state secretary Tim Jacobson said the cost of RAT of between $10 and $20 a test, was prohibitive for many workers and their families.

“It is a lot like toilet paper with pharmacies running out and they need to be free and for people to have better access to them,” he said.