No more free RATs despite push to retest sooner | Kaubo
Vulnerable Australians will lose access to free rapid antigen tests by the end of this month just as health authorities warn the risk of reinfection with the virulent subvariants is just 28 days.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia national president Dr Fei Sim said the decision not only puts at risk elderly pensioners and disadvantaged families, but it also sends the wrong message to the public.“The pandemic is not over, and the threat of serious illness is still there for many vulnerable people in our communities. Testing remains a vital part of our COVID-19 response,” Dr Sim said.
RACGP President Adjunct Professor Karen Price said $8 for a test was a considerable expense for many people. Free rapid antigen test kits are still currently offered at some state-run testing sites in NSW and Victoria. “We have moved away from a lot of mandatory things, and it’s [about] personal responsibility. It’s about people looking after people,” he said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Free RAT scheme for concession card holders to be wound up as COVID-19 cases growThe program, introduced in January, meant those eligible could receive 10 free RATs every three months, during a time when tightened supplies were pushing up the price of testing kits at pharmacies.
Read more »
Business, consumer confidence slump on inflation and rate risesGrowing inflation and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s push to normalise interest rates has sparked a slump on business and consumer confidence despite strong spending and forward orders.
Read more »
'Test again': COVID-19 reinfection period revised from 12 weeks down to just fourPeople are being advised to retest themselves for COVID-19 four weeks after having had the virus, with authorities warning it can be contracted again after just one month.
Read more »
'Test again': COVID-19 reinfection period revised from 12 weeks down to just fourAustralian health authorities have warned that some people can contract COVID-19 again just a month after their initial infection. It comes as NSW Health today revised the COVID-19 reinfection period from 12 weeks down to four weeks. MORE DETAILS: 9News
Read more »
'Test again': COVID-19 reinfection period revised from 12 weeks down to just fourPeople are being advised to retest themselves for COVID-19 four weeks after having had the virus, with authorities warning it can be contracted again after just one month.
Read more »
World population to peak and decline sooner than previously thoughtThe latest update of the UN’s World Population Prospects confirms we are now in sight of a time when the human population will cease to grow and be in ongoing decline.
Read more »