Australian PM announces free rapid Covid tests for certain groups amid infection surge

Canberra, Jan 5 (Agency) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that he agreed to supply free rapid coronavirus tests to concession card holders. Speaking after meeting with state and territory leaders, Morrison said that concession card holders including welfare and pension recipients will be eligible to receive 10 free rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19 over the next three months. He also announced that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests will no longer be required to confirm positive RATs in a bid to ease intense pressure on Australia’s testing regime. However, Morrison again ruled out any move to make RATs free for the general public. “Universal free access was not considered the right policy response by all of the states and territories in attendance today, and the Commonwealth,” he told reporters.

“What was agreed, though, was providing, as I flagged two weeks ago, a model to provide concessional access for tests over a three-month period, and they will be made available through the pharmacy network.” It comes as unprecedented demand for COVID-19 tests across Australia continues, with RATs sold out across the country and queues for PCR tests extending hours. Earlier on Wednesday, Anthony Albanese, leader of the Opposition Labor Party, increased pressure on Morrison by calling on the government to make RATs free for all Australians, describing Morrison’s opposition to the proposal as “ridiculous.” “It is very clear the simplest and most cost-efficient way is to make tests free and available,” he told reporters. “It’s clear that the costs of tests are dwarfed by the costs of inaction.” Albanese’s proposal was supported by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA).

In a joint statement, the AMA and PHAA said RATs were an “essential tool” in the fight to control the spread of COVID-19. “RATs do, and must continue to play, an essential role in a pandemic that is looking increasingly out of control,” Terry Slevin, chief executive of the PHAA, said. “We can not diminish the incredible work of our public health and healthcare workers across the continent by letting market forces decide who can afford to get and use RATs during this health emergency.” According to the Health Department of Australian government, the country on Wednesday reported 64,767 new locally-acquired COVID-19 infections, bringing the total case number to 612,106. It marks the third consecutive day Australia has set a new record for cases, and was among the deadliest days in recent month, with the total deaths reaching 2,289 since the start of the pandemic. There were 3,000 cases being treated in hospitals around Australia on Wednesday, the highest figure since the start of the pandemic, including 194 in intensive care. As of Tuesday 94.5 percent of Australians aged 16 and over had received one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 91.6 percent were double vaccinated.