THE first major delivery of 3 million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) from the State Government’s bulk order of 44 million has arrived, with distribution to key workforces already underway.
Workers in sensitive settings and essential workforces will be prioritised to receive the RATs as part of the initial rollout. This includes essential workers in our health system, emergency services, and disability and aged care services.
Prioritising health care workers will help key staff return to work, and further protect the people in their care through regular screening.
Victorians who may have pre-existing conditions that make them susceptible to severe illness will also be prioritised – ensuring diagnosis and care can be provided as quickly as possible.
The number of free RATs distributed via PCR testing sites has increased daily, with 91,000 distributed last Saturday compared with 1,900 on day one of the program.
In addition, more than 60 grassroots community and multifaith organisations around the state are distributing free RATs as part of their existing care and support programs.
Since the RAT reporting system opened on Friday, January 7, 145,580 Victorians have reported a positive result either via the Coronavirus website or by phone.
If you test positive on a RAT, you must report your positive result to the Department of Health by visiting www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report or calling 1800 675 398. Dial 0 for translations.
