Significant changes to COVID testing requirements People with a positive rapid antigen test will no longer need a PCR test, as part of efforts to ease pressure on the country’s buckling systems.
RACGP joins calls to make rapid antigen tests free for all President Dr Karen Price has urged the Federal Government to do ‘everything possible’ to expand access to the increasingly vitals tests.
Hospitals the focus as GPs face increased risk of COVID exposure ‘If general practice falls over, everything falls over’, according to RACGP President Dr Karen Price.
New point-of-care test for COVID-19 could assess need for booster Developed by Australian scientists, experts say the test could be the key to staying one step ahead of COVID-19 variants.
What are the COVID-19 travel requirements for each state and territory? UPDATED: As Australians continue to journey interstate over the summer, newsGP provides a breakdown of the various travel requirements, from vaccination to testing and isolation.
Telehealth patients missing out on pathology While telehealth use has risen sharply, these patients are less likely to access pathology services, a new study suggests.
Under-12s will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 until 2022 The TGA is waiting for more data before it decides whether to approve the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5–11.
‘The health system will collapse’: GPs call for policy change to keep practice doors open As case numbers and exposure sites increase, there are fears that requiring fully vaccinated practice staff to isolate is becoming unsustainable and risks the entire health system.
Rapid antigen testing guidelines published Guidance has been released for workplaces considering the faster but less sensitive COVID tests, but their role for general practice is not yet clear.
What role should antigen tests play in Australia’s COVID response? Recent COVID outbreaks have seen a renewed focus placed on alternative testing methods to PCR, writes Professor of Microbiology Deborah Willamson.