As Tasmania moves to rapid antigen tests (RATs) as the primary diagnostic tool to detect COVID-19, the Tasmanian Government has established a state-wide distribution model to ensure people can access free RATs as required.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available for Tasmanians who are symptomatic or a designated close contact and are free in the same way that PCR testing has been. This will continue.
From tomorrow, RATs will be available to symptomatic people or close contacts at the following sites from 8am-4pm:
These collection points are not for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been deemed a close contact of a positive case.
If you are in a rural or regional area and you are symptomatic or a close contact of a case, please contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange the collection of a free RAT or to book a PCR test at a Testing Clinic. There will be further options identified for access to a free RAT in regional areas in the coming days.
If you test positive using a RAT, you should complete your details in the Rapid Antigen Test - Positive Result Declaration Form found on the coronavirus website.
This will ensure you can access assistance from Public Health Services and the COVID@home team during your illness if required.
All information is kept strictly private and used by the Department of Health for case and contact management.
If you test positive you must also isolate immediately and advise people in your household to also quarantine.
PCR tests will still be available via existing state clinics, and in partnership with private operators, and our testing capacity will continue to be maintained to respond to the level of transmission.
Appointments for PCR tests can be made via the coronavirus website or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
The Federal Government is also working through a plan to provide RATs to concession card holders via community pharmacies who are not symptomatic or close contacts.