Every Western Australian household will be able to collect 20 free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) from existing drive-through collection points and COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the metropolitan area, and COVID-19 testing clinics in regional areas.
From next Monday, 15 August, a further 21.4 million free RATs will be made available to more than one million WA households to help with convenient COVID-19 testing and early detection.
This is the latest extension of the WA Free RAT Program, which remains the most comprehensive of its kind in the country.
The WA Free RAT Program provides convenient, easy COVID-19 testing and helps to ease cost of living pressures.
Since February 2022, more than 48 million RATs have been provided to the WA community and public sector.
Of these, more than 5 million have been distributed through pop-ups across the State. Free RATs continue to be handed out at as part of the pop-ups at train stations, major events and shopping centres in the metropolitan area.
Schools have also been allocated an additional 11.8 million free RATs to assist students and staff since the start of Term 3.
Free RATs also remain available through community service organisations and Members of Parliament.
Early testing and isolation remains an important step in keeping the community, particularly vulnerable people, safe from COVID-19.
Close contacts are still required to have no symptoms and test negative each day for seven days if planning to leave isolation, wear a mask outside home and avoid high-risk settings.
For more information, including pick up locations, visit WA.gov.au.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The WA Free RAT Program continues to support households by giving quick, easy and free access to testing for those who become close contacts or are experiencing symptoms.
“We want people to test early and take the appropriate precautions, so we can help keep the community safe – especially people who are more vulnerable and susceptible to COVID.
“Providing free RATs to the WA public has been a nation-leading initiative in helping manage the spread of COVID-19.
“The WA Free RAT Program has been successful and these additional 21 million free RATs takes us through the rest of winter as we continue to monitor COVID-19 in our community.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“This additional distribution of free RATs allows us to ensure people have easy access to supplies to help them stay safe and detect COVID-19 early.
“Everyone should continue to practise good hygiene habits, stay up to date with vaccination and stay home if unwell or experiencing symptoms, even if testing negative to COVID-19.
“I also strongly encourage people to wear a mask when they’re indoors or where they can’t physically distance, as we know masks also play a vital role in helping to reduce transmission of COVID-19.”
