Millions of free rapid antigen test for vulnerable groups

The NSW Government will provide millions of free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to
vulnerable cohorts, including people with disability, children and young people in outof-home care, vulnerable multicultural communities and Aboriginal communities to
support early identification and treatment for COVID-19.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha
Maclaren-Jones said up to 7.9 million RATs will be available to ensure protection for
some of the most vulnerable in our community.

“We want to ensure that rapid antigen tests are easily accessible to those who need it
most, to keep them safe against COVID-19 through the coming winter period,” Mrs
Maclaren-Jones said.

“Given the higher risks for some cohorts, including people with disability if they contract
COVID-19, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment is vital.”

The free RATs are now being progressively rolled out at locations across the state.
Those who are eligible will be able to access tests through their disability service
provider or directly through statewide neighbourhood centres funded by the
Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

Vulnerable people who test positive for COVID-19 on a RAT are reminded to confirm
the result with a PCR test to enable timely access to anti-viral medications and medical
support, should it be required.

The program will initially run for four months, with a review to determine whether it
should be extended toward the end of winter.

Physical Disability Council of NSW CEO Serena Ovens said people with disability,
their support workers, carers, and family deserved access to free RATs to ensure they
were not being forgotten.

“We need to protect those who are among the most at risk from COVID-19, particularly
as we enter the winter months to ensure that people with a disability can safely get
back to doing what they love,” Ms Ovens said.

National Disability Services Senior Manager State & Territory Operations Karen Stace
said they welcomed the much needed distribution of free RATs for people with
disability.

“It is great to see the Government making it a priority to protect some of the most
vulnerable in our community by allowing people with disability to access as many
RATs as they need, particularly as we head into the winter months,” Ms Stace said.