Free Covid Rapid Antigen Tests available to all Ballarat residents

Access to free Covid Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in Ballarat is being expanded to all individuals.

The rollout is part of the State Government’s council RAT distribution program, with the free RATs available now at the Sebastopol Library.

All individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit.

People with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

The expanded eligibility will be in place until June 2023.

RATs are the primary tool for early detection of Covid and a positive result enables access to antivirals for those who are eligible. More than 125 million free RATs were distributed to Victorians last year.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged the community to take advantage of the expanded eligibility.

“As a city, Ballarat has always banded together and done an amazing job in doing our best to keep ourselves, and others, as safe as possible,” he said.

“Now that everybody is eligible to receive the free tests, I encourage everybody to do their part in the fight against Covid.”

RATs can be collected from Sebastopol Library, 181 Albert Street, during opening hours:

  • Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 9.30am-5pm

  • Thursdays: 9.30am-8pm

  • Saturdays: 9.30am-12pm

/Public Release. View in full here.