Australia Urged To Start Widespread Rapid Antigen Testing As Test Rates Drop

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has stressed the need for rapid antigen testing across Australia as ACT testing rates have dropped. As more people become fully vaccinated, the likelihood of cases being asymptomatic increases. By using quick tests to screen people, there is hope we can weed some of these asymptomatic cases out.

Currently, rapid antigen tests are only available for workplaces under strict supervision. Home testing is being widely used in the US, Europe and the UK. Health Minister Greg Hunt is keen for home rapid antigen tests to be used throughout Australia once regulatory approval is given and supplies become more widely available.