From today all domestic and international travellers will be given two Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) on arrival at Perth Airport that they can self-administer at home, as required under Western Australia’s hard border settings.
COVID marshals, stationed at both domestic and international airports, will distribute the tests for approved travellers, who are required to undertake the tests on day one and day seven of their quarantine period.
The rollout of RATs at Perth Airport complements the distribution of RATs to all public COVID-19 testing clinics for WA Health to use and provide, when demand for PCR tests peaks.
Domestic and international travellers will still be eligible for a PCR test on day one at testing clinics, if capacity is available.
The RAT is a quick test to check for COVID-19 and provides a result within 15 to 30 minutes, and all kits have a QR code which links to a video that demonstrates how to take a test.
Travellers who self-administered a RAT test for COVID-19 at home and have tested positive must register their result online with the Department of Health at https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/ratregister
The mandatory registration requires information to be logged including:
- date and time of the test;
- personal details about your situation; and
- phone number to be contacted on.
People who do not have access to the online registration system must still report their positive test result and can do so by contacting 13 COVID (13 26843).
People will face a penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of up to $50,000 for failing to register a positive RAT test self-administered at home.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“As we indicated earlier this week, by embarking into a high caseload environment with new protocols, we would be seeing Rapid Antigen Tests being utilised more to help manage demand.
“The next phase of the pandemic for WA will be bumpy which is why we need to remain vigilant, follow the COVID-safe practises, roll up for our third doses and get tested.
“For airport arrivals going into their seven day isolation period, the RATs will give them the convenience to undertake their mandatory testing in their isolation premise, which is also safer for the broader WA community.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“With the changes under our Updated Safe Transition Plan to allow more people into the State we have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases from travellers.
“Giving travellers a Rapid Antigen Test to self-administer at home will provide travellers with convenience as it gives people a quick method of detecting COVID-19 while minimising movement and any potential spread.
“Anyone who receives a positive result on a RAT test must register it with WA Health immediately online or by phoning 13COVID.”
As stated by the State Emergency Coordinator Chris Dawson:
“Providing travellers with a Rapid Antigen Test will make it easier for people to comply with the testing requirements that are in place to keep everyone safe.
“Serious penalties may apply for people who fail to comply with testing requirements.”
Health Minister’s office – 6552 5900
