Testing concerns as COVID hospitalisations hit record levels More people are currently in hospital across Australia with COVID-19 than at any other time during the pandemic.
Australia’s first fixed pill-testing site opens in ACT The Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine has welcomed the ‘highly significant’ launch, which is part of a six-month trial.
Doctors and pharmacists in united call to continue subsidised COVID tests The COVID-19 Rapid Test Concessional Access Program will not be extended beyond the end of July, despite the ongoing BA.5 wave.
Multiple rapid antigen test sponsors under investigation The revelation comes alongside TGA confirmation that a company has been fined more than $100,000 for ‘serial non-compliance’.
GP issues warning over COVID testing confusion Rapid antigen tests versus PCR – which is appropriate, and when? GPs are being urged to educate patients in the lead up to winter.
Free rapid antigen tests make economic sense: Analysis Even minor reductions in COVID transmission rates due to increased early isolation would justify the additional cost, according to researchers.
‘Clearly not practical’: Practices overwhelmed following PM’s direction to call GPs Scott Morrison has directed people with a positive rapid antigen test result to contact their general practice – but GPs say no suitable system has been established.
States move to make positive rapid test results official To reduce stress on PCR testing, Victoria and Queensland are establishing systems for people to record their positive rapid antigen test results.
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.