In an Australian first, the McGowan Government will provide an initial 5.3 million free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to more than one million households across the State.
Under the program, each Western Australian household is eligible for five individual tests. Households are able to register online at https://www.wa.gov.au from today and have the tests delivered to their home address.
People who cannot register online can contact 13 COVID (13 26843) for assistance in placing their order. To register, people are required to provide their name, contact number, email and home address.
Once registered, people will receive confirmation with a unique order number which is required if they elect to collect their free RATs from a designated collection point in the metropolitan area.
Collection for registered orders will be open from tomorrow (Monday) at the Perth Airport collection point.
People should allow for up to 15 business days for delivery from when they receive confirmation, with regional areas being prioritised initially.
RATs are recognised as an accurate diagnostic tool for COVID-19, supporting the PCR test method which remains available across the State and will continue to play an important role in WA’s COVID-19 management as cases continue to rise.
Additional RATs are also supplied to testing clinics to supplement the PCR system and free RATs are also available for pick up at pharmacies for eligible concession card holders.
In addition to households, the State Government will provide RATs to the Community Service Sector, and schools and childcare providers, to ensure they have supplies when the critical worker furloughing policy is in action.
It is mandatory for people who return a positive RAT to register their result online with the Department of Health. Those who do not have access to the online registration system must still report their positive test result by contacting 13 COVID (13 26843).
More information about the WA Free RAT Program, managing COVID and isolation protocols can be viewed at https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“I am pleased to announce this program as the first of its kind in the country.
“Western Australia’s approach has meant we are in the strongest possible position to manage the wave of Omicron before us.
“Making sure every WA household has access to free RATs is an important part of being prepared for COVID-19.
“Every Western Australian deserves to have access to a rapid test, no matter who they are and no matter where they live across WA.
“Having access to free RATs will help keep our community safe.
“Having the flexibility to take a RAT at home gives people the added convenience of not having to leave their home – especially when we hit very high testing numbers and caseloads.
“The distribution of free RATs aligns with when Western Australia is set to record significantly higher case numbers, providing access to tests when Western Australians will need these the most.
“This is another vital step in our COVID-19 management as we prepare to open the State border.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“Making RATs freely available through this program is a significant step in preparing Western Australians for the next stage of COVID-19.
“Providing quick, accurate results to community members while minimising movement and potential spread of COVID-19 is a convenient option for Western Australians, and this program helps to enable this.
“Anyone who returns a positive RAT must register their result with the Department of Health, isolate immediately and follow the relevant positive case guidance.
“We expect there to be a high demand at the collection site in the first few days due to the large number of RATs being distributed, so I encourage people to plan accordingly.”
