Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Residential Care providers.

The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to Residential Care providers across NSW in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Rapid Antigen Testing is proving highly successful in screening staff and visitors for COVID-19 with results in 15 minutes. Screening staff and visitors before entering an Residential Care environment, minimises the risk of an outbreak. During an outbreak, infectious workers and residents can quickly be isolated to contain the spread.

The Australian Government encourages all eligible Residential Care providers in high-risk NSW LGAs to implement rapid antigen test screening as an additional layer of protection for senior Australians who are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and as a tool to ultimately protect your residents and workers.

Who is eligible for a Rapid Antigen Test kit?

All Residential Care providers and workers in high-risk areas. This includes Residential Care (including MPS and NATSIFAC), home care, services delivered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) who operate or have staff who live or work in a high-risk LGA.

As of 20 September, identified high-risk LGAs in NSW include:

• Greater Sydney: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Inner West, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Shellharbour, Strathfield, Sydney, and Wollongong.
• Western NSW: Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine and Walgett.

How to order

Eligible providers can order online via the Rapid Antigen Testing Order Form.

How do the Rapid Antigen Test kits work?

After ordering a kit, the providers will receive information, training and support to implement Rapid Antigen Testing. Testing needs to be administered or supervised by a registered health practitioner, however, a training provider will ensure they are able to competently administer the test and advise on appropriate protocols for screening.

More information is available on the Department of Heath website.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also sets out regulations that apply to rapid antigen test kits, conditions of supply and frequently asked questions on the supply of rapid antigen tests