Millions of people in Western Australia will soon be able to access even more free rapid antigen tests under a state government scheme.
Premier Mark McGowan previously announced every household would receive five free RATs after completing their registration, but on Tuesday he revealed that number would be boosted to 15.
The Australian-first program will now provide a total of 10.5 million tests.
“Due to international events, there is no doubt petrol prices are impacting cost of living pressures in WA, and we want to make sure this doesn’t prevexjmtzywnt WA households from having access to RAT tests,” Mr McGowan said in a statement.
“The 15 free RATs will go some way in helping households alleviate some of the financial burden they would otherwise face with the purchase of RATs.
“The reporting of positive RATs is starting to outweigh the reporting of positive PCR tests and the provision of these free RATs will ensure people have them on-hand as they need them — for ease and convenience.”
Free RATs will also be available at pop-ups, including 500,000 tests at selected train stations, major events, universities and shopping centres across the state.
An additional 74,000 RATs will also be given to households in remote and town-based communities.
Every member of parliament will also receive 1000 tests for constituents in need.
A new pick-up site has also been established at the Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex car park, near the netball courts, to replace the Perth Airport site for RATs previously ordered for collection.
So far, almost 650,000 households have registered to receive their five free RATs, with about half of them expected to receive their order by the end of this week.
This phase of the program brings the current distribution cost to $38.1m, including deliveries and public collection sites.
“So far, WA’s preparedness for Omicron has meant we have been fortunate when it comes to the impact of Covid-19 in our community,” Mr McGowan said.
“By providing free RATs to all Western Australians, we are able to ensure everyone is prepared for the wave of Omicron and best placed to stay safe and limit unnecessary spread of the virus.”
