Omicron is here, so it's time for Queenslanders to create COVID preparation kits at home
3 years, 3 months ago

Omicron is here, so it's time for Queenslanders to create COVID preparation kits at home

ABC  

The new phase of the pandemic has been the hot topic of government media conferences over the past week as Queensland shifts from double-donut days to living with widespread COVID transmission. Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has also just announced the Queensland government's COVID Care Pathways Plan, which outlines how people can best prepare for the months ahead. Ms D'Ath said whether people infected with the virus would need home or hospital care would depend on "their condition and symptoms", but it was expected that most cases in vaccinated people would be mild. You'll be needing a 'COVID-Ready Kit' Part of the plan is for Queenslanders to prepare a COVID-Ready Kit, including: a thermometer pain relief your regular medications a plan for who can look after your children, pets, or people in your care, only if you have to go to hospital face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves a plan for how you'll get food and essentials for two weeks such as frozen meals, long-life milk, supplies and food for your pets phone numbers for people you can call if you need help stay-at-home activities to keep you entertained a COVID Care Plan in case you get COVID-19. Ms D'Ath also encouraged Queenslanders to "think ahead about your childcare plans, or who might feed your pets if you had to isolate or go to hospital".

Health Test Care Hospital Plan Covid Pcr Queenslanders Rapid Antigen Tests Childcare Plans  kits  antigen  create  hospital  omicron  test  plan  testing  health  care  queenslanders  dath  preparation  covid  tests

History of this topic

NSW government to provide free RAT kits to vulnerable as state braces for COVID-19 surge
2 years, 8 months ago

NSW government to provide free RAT kits to vulnerable as state braces for COVID-19 surge

ABC  

The New South Wales government will provide free rapid antigen tests to vulnerable communities after a federal government program ends at the end of the month. Key points: Health services are preparing for the worst of a new COVID-19 wave in weeks ahead Authorities are watching Omicron sub-variant BA.2.75 which has recently emerged State and Federal leaders will meet on …

Doctors urge people with COVID symptoms to seek PCR tests as reports of false negatives from RATs rise
2 years, 8 months ago

Doctors urge people with COVID symptoms to seek PCR tests as reports of false negatives from RATs rise

ABC  

Allie and her family have been through many boxes of rapid antigen tests. "He then tested positive because he'd made my husband go to the office, so I think that shows RATs are rubbish," Allie said. Allie's story is an increasingly common one and as new variants drive a surge in COVID cases in Australia, doctors are warning against relying …

Health authorities urge government to extend free RAT scheme for vulnerable Australians
2 years, 8 months ago

Health authorities urge government to extend free RAT scheme for vulnerable Australians

ABC  

Doctors and pharmacists are urging the federal government not to end a scheme providing free rapid antigen tests to vulnerable groups as Australians are warned to brace for rising COVID cases through winter. Key points: Under the scheme concession card holders could access up to 10 free RATs over three months The government says the price of tests has reduced …

How accurate are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, and when is the best time to use them?
2 years, 11 months ago

How accurate are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, and when is the best time to use them?

ABC  

Rapid antigen tests, better known as RATs, have become an important tool in Australia's arsenal against COVID-19. "If people are symptomatic, they often have more virus present in their nose or mouth … and so rapid tests perform better," said infectious diseases physician and microbiologist Paul Griffin. "We've seen lots of rapid antigen tests be positive in recent times for …

WA records two more COVID-19 deaths and 8,133 new cases as more free RATs sent to regions
3 years ago

WA records two more COVID-19 deaths and 8,133 new cases as more free RATs sent to regions

ABC  

Western Australia has reported two more deaths from COVID-19 and 8,133 new cases as it announced thousands more rapid antigen tests would be distributed to communities in regional and remote areas. Key points: There are still 209 COVID cases in WA hospitals and 45,306 active infections There are still 209 COVID cases in WA hospitals and 45,306 active infections The …

Tasmania goes own way on rapid antigen tests for students as school returns
3 years, 1 month ago

Tasmania goes own way on rapid antigen tests for students as school returns

ABC  

Tasmania's public health authority has defended its decision not to recommend Tasmanian school students undertake twice weekly rapid COVID tests, in contrast to Australia's most populous states. Key points: Students in NSW, Victoria and ACT have to taken two RATs a week to check if they have COVID Tasmanian students will only be given up to two RATs a week …

Victorian farmers get more than 50,000 rapid antigen tests to ward off COVID-19 staff shortages
3 years, 2 months ago

Victorian farmers get more than 50,000 rapid antigen tests to ward off COVID-19 staff shortages

ABC  

More than 56,000 rapid antigen tests have been distributed to Victorian farmers as changes to isolation requirements exacerbate worker shortages. Key points: Victorian farmers welcome the distribution of 56,000 rapid antigen tests The tests were supplied to ease the pressure on the supply chain caused by isolation requirements Without access to the tests many face worker shortages The Victorian Farmers …

NT scraps rapid antigen test requirement for arrivals, as COVID-19 hospital admissions rise to 121
3 years, 2 months ago

NT scraps rapid antigen test requirement for arrivals, as COVID-19 hospital admissions rise to 121

ABC  

The Northern Territory government is scrapping its rapid antigen testing regime for interstate and international arrivals, as the number of people with COVID-19 in Territory hospitals rises to a new peak. Key points: From Tuesday, interstate and international arrivals to the NT will no longer need to do three rapid antigen tests after arriving Several remote communities have been placed …

NSW unveils its much-anticipated back-to-school plan as state records 34 COVID-19 deaths
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW unveils its much-anticipated back-to-school plan as state records 34 COVID-19 deaths

ABC  

Students and teachers in NSW will be required to take two rapid antigen tests a week and be subjected to mask mandates when school returns for term one. Key points: Over 6 million RAT kits will be distributed to schools and early childhood centres by Tuesday evening The total number of hospitalisations fell to 2,712 in the latest reporting period …

Queensland will have 'glut' of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests within weeks, Pharmacy Guild says
3 years, 2 months ago

Queensland will have 'glut' of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests within weeks, Pharmacy Guild says

ABC  

Australians trying to get their hands on hard-to-find COVID-19 rapid antigen tests may not need to wait much longer, with retail chains flagging a large supply is due to arrive in Queensland in the coming weeks. Key points: Pressure on the supply of rapid antigen tests is expected to ease from next week The Pharmacy Guild says RATs will be …

Australian-made RATs await TGA approval amid rapid antigen test shortage
3 years, 2 months ago

Australian-made RATs await TGA approval amid rapid antigen test shortage

ABC  

As Australians struggle to get hold of a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, several Australian companies have been waiting months for local approval of their RATs. Key points: At least two Australian companies have applications pending with the TGA for rapid antigen tests Both tests are currently in use in overseas markets Brisbane-based AnteoTech is hoping to produce at least a …

Rapid antigen testing regime change kicks in across South Australia. Here's how it will work
3 years, 2 months ago

Rapid antigen testing regime change kicks in across South Australia. Here's how it will work

ABC  

South Australia's new rapid antigen test regime kicks in today, with new requirements for those making use of them. "It will be a requirement to report a positive case, whether that's on a privately acquired rapid antigen test or whether it's one of the free kits provided by SA Health," Mr Marshall said. " "There are always ways people can …

Queensland records 22,069 new COVID-19 cases, Nurses Union calls for mandatory rapid tests for essential workers
3 years, 2 months ago

Queensland records 22,069 new COVID-19 cases, Nurses Union calls for mandatory rapid tests for essential workers

ABC  

Nurses are "angry" at the stressful conditions they are working under as COVID-19 spreads through Queensland, and say rapid antigen tests should be mandated and readily available for essential workers. Key points: The Chief Health Officer says data shows unvaccinated people were nine times more likely to end up in hospital The government is not moving to mandate third shots …

RATs in short supply: Rapid antigen test shortage shows little sign of ending soon
3 years, 2 months ago

RATs in short supply: Rapid antigen test shortage shows little sign of ending soon

ABC  

Australians are desperately searching for rapid antigen tests, but retail supplies remain limited and are unlikely to improve significantly for several weeks. Key points: Suppliers are bringing in millions of rapid antigen tests a week, but say deman still outstrips supply A major increase in supplies is not expected for weeks, possibly not until mid-February In some states and territories, …

South Australia records seven COVID-19 deaths and 3,715 new cases, makes RAT reporting mandatory
3 years, 2 months ago

South Australia records seven COVID-19 deaths and 3,715 new cases, makes RAT reporting mandatory

ABC  

South Australia has recorded another seven COVID-linked deaths — the highest number of fatal cases reported in the state since the start of the pandemic. Key points: SA has recorded seven COVID deaths, but not all occurred in the past 24 hours The state recorded 3,715 new cases Free rapid antigen tests for close contacts will be available from tomorrow …

Victoria records 51,356 COVID-19 cases and nine deaths
3 years, 2 months ago

Victoria records 51,356 COVID-19 cases and nine deaths

ABC  

Victoria has reported 51,356 new COVID-19 cases, as health authorities begin counting positive rapid antigen test results in daily case numbers. Key points: The case tally includes rapid antigen test results from the past week Hospitalisations have jumped to 731 Health Minister Martin Foley says cases may be double-reported by accident in the coming days Of the new cases, 26,428 …

Queensland COVID-19 testing data getting 'weaker every day', will impact hospital services
3 years, 2 months ago

Queensland COVID-19 testing data getting 'weaker every day', will impact hospital services

ABC  

Chaos surrounding Queensland's COVID-19 testing systems has an expert worried that data on infection rates during the Omicron wave is so grossly under-reported it is almost impossible to make predictions about the future impacts on hospitals. Key points: Queensland still has no process to allow residents to record their rapid antigen test results Experts fear the quality of data being …

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet reinstates several COVID-19 restrictions
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet reinstates several COVID-19 restrictions

ABC  

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says the state faces "a difficult few weeks" after reintroducing several COVID-19 restrictions to battle the increasing number of cases and hospitalisations. Key points: The new restrictions are expected to be lifted on January 27 Positive rapid antigen test results will need to be logged with Service NSW Dominic Perrottet says the state faces "a difficult …

Rapid antigen test shortage in Tasmania's regions impacting business, causing delays
3 years, 2 months ago

Rapid antigen test shortage in Tasmania's regions impacting business, causing delays

ABC  

Like many Australians, when Daniel Coy thought he felt the first signs of cold, he went on a search for a rapid antigen test. Key points: Regional Tasmanians are struggling to get access to rapid tests East coast accommodation providers have been hit with cancellations from travellers that are isolating A plan to stock post offices with rapid tests has …

NSW could bring back tough Covid restrictions as Omicron cases continue to surge
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW could bring back tough Covid restrictions as Omicron cases continue to surge

Daily Mail  

NSW could suspend elective surgery, shut nightclubs, ban singing and dancing in pubs, and pause major events as the state records 38,625 new Covid cases and 11 deaths. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has long advocated the need to reopen the state and get the economy moving again but has since backtracked on restrictions NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is expected to …

Rapid antigen tests will soon be free for millions of Australians — who's eligible? When do you need a PCR test?
3 years, 2 months ago

Rapid antigen tests will soon be free for millions of Australians — who's eligible? When do you need a PCR test?

ABC  

National cabinet has agreed to extend the availability of free rapid antigen tests to some Australians, but supply shortages remain a serious issue across the country. Starting in the next two weeks, concession card holders will join close contacts on the list of people who can get their hands on free RATs. There are two main groups of people who …

Queenslanders wanting COVID-19 test to 'do the right thing' or return to work left frustrated and confused
3 years, 2 months ago

Queenslanders wanting COVID-19 test to 'do the right thing' or return to work left frustrated and confused

ABC  

Queensland's COVID-19 testing clinics are so overwhelmed, many people are being turned away without getting swabbed, while others are going to extreme lengths to get tested to protect family members, satisfy work and childcare requirements, or to have elective surgery. Key points: You should get a rapid antigen test if you need to leave home quarantine or have been around …

Victorian COVID-19 rules tighten with density limits and mandatory rapid test reporting
3 years, 2 months ago

Victorian COVID-19 rules tighten with density limits and mandatory rapid test reporting

ABC  

Density limits will be reintroduced in Victoria from 11:59pm and it will become mandatory to report positive rapid antigen test results to the health department, in response to the state's surging Omicron outbreak. Key points: From Friday, Victorians must register their positive at-home RAT results on a government portal Health Minister Martin Foley said about one in 50 Victorians currently …

Victorians fed up with lack of rapid antigen tests as they're turned away from testing queues
3 years, 2 months ago

Victorians fed up with lack of rapid antigen tests as they're turned away from testing queues

ABC  

Regional Victorians are becoming frustrated at the COVID-19 testing regime as they are turned away from screening stations and unable to come by at-home testing kits. Key points: Many Victorians can't find rapid antigen tests at pharmacies, service stations, and supermarkets Wait times in testing queues blow out with only those with symptoms or positive RATs urged to come forward …

Developer makes 'find a RAT' website as thousands seek out rapid antigen tests amid extreme demand and low availability
3 years, 2 months ago

Developer makes 'find a RAT' website as thousands seek out rapid antigen tests amid extreme demand and low availability

ABC  

As new COVID-19 cases rise across Australia, and so too has the demand for rapid antigen testing kits. Key points: A Melbourne software developer created a website to help people find rapid antigen test kits Food delivery apps have also started to sell tests, although some of them at high prices The government says demand for the tests had exceeded …

Tasmania to drop PCR test entry requirement as state records 92 new COVID cases
3 years, 3 months ago

Tasmania to drop PCR test entry requirement as state records 92 new COVID cases

ABC  

Tasmania will relax PCR testing requirements for all incoming travellers from January 1 as the state records 92 new COVID cases, two new hospitalisations and temporarily closes an in-demand testing clinic. Key points: Tasmanian COVID cases have jumped from the 55 recorded yesterday to 92 today The state has recorded its first hospitalisations for COVID since the borders reopened Travellers …

Queensland records 1,589 new COVID-19 cases, dumps controversial PCR test rule for interstate travellers from January 1
3 years, 3 months ago

Queensland records 1,589 new COVID-19 cases, dumps controversial PCR test rule for interstate travellers from January 1

ABC  

Interstate travellers entering Queensland will no longer have to return a negative PCR test before arrival, with rapid antigen tests to be accepted instead from January 1. Key points: The announcement comes one day after the removal of the five-day test requirement Chief Health Officer says travellers can take a rapid antigen test 72 hours before arriving in Queensland Other …

Frustration and heartbreak as COVID-19 testing delays force some to spend holidays alone
3 years, 3 months ago

Frustration and heartbreak as COVID-19 testing delays force some to spend holidays alone

ABC  

Kate Perry spent Christmas in isolation and in tears, waiting for a COVID-19 test result she had expected to receive days earlier. But Victoria's COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said one pathology provider that had laboratories interstate was taking "a little bit longer" to get test results turned around. Mr Weimar said the increased testing load from interstate travellers was "jamming …

Victoria records 1,999 COVID cases and three deaths as PCR and rapid testing messages shift
3 years, 3 months ago

Victoria records 1,999 COVID cases and three deaths as PCR and rapid testing messages shift

ABC  

Victoria's health department has moved to clarify "unclear" texts sent to COVID-19 contacts about testing, amid continued strain on the system. Key points: Health authorities told some people to get a rapid test if they were asymptomatic or struggling to access PCR testing The department later told those contacts they still needed a PCR test The number of people in …

Rapid antigen test ban overturned in South Australia amid surge in COVID case numbers
3 years, 3 months ago

Rapid antigen test ban overturned in South Australia amid surge in COVID case numbers

ABC  

Rapid antigen testing has finally been introduced among the South Australian public, as health authorities work to combat an eruption of COVID-19 cases and community transmission of the virus. Key points: Rapid antigen tests are going on sale at supermarkets and pharmacies across SA The move comes after SA recorded almost 500 daily cases on Thursday Huge demand is expected, …

NSW to bring back QR code check-ins, look at providing free rapid antigen tests
3 years, 3 months ago

NSW to bring back QR code check-ins, look at providing free rapid antigen tests

ABC  

New South Wales will reintroduce QR code check-ins and is set to provide free rapid antigen testing kits as it looks to stem the tide of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Key points: Check-in codes will be reintroduced in most settings including hospitality and retail The Premier said the measure would assist with contact tracing Rapid antigen testing will be encouraged …

NSW pharmacies, supermarkets selling out of rapid COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Christmas rush
3 years, 3 months ago

NSW pharmacies, supermarkets selling out of rapid COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Christmas rush

ABC  

Rapid COVID-19 tests have almost vanished from shelves in New South Wales pharmacies and supermarkets, making them so scarce that one store owner likened the humble product to "a bar of gold". Key points: Store owner says he keeps test kits behind the counter More stock expect to arrive in coming days Premier to raise supply issue at National Cabinet …

COVID vaccination mandate for Queensland schools, childcare won't prevent disruption, border reopening on track despite Omicron
3 years, 4 months ago

COVID vaccination mandate for Queensland schools, childcare won't prevent disruption, border reopening on track despite Omicron

ABC  

Parents have been warned to prepare for another COVID-disrupted year at school and childcare in 2022, despite a state government vaccine mandate for staff. Key points: Childcare sector advocate Georgie Dent says staff departures and infected children could cause major disruptions UQ infectious disease expert Paul Griffin says schools need to adopt rapid antigen testing The Queensland Teachers Union says …

Omicron variant doesn’t escape RTPCR, RAT, says Health Ministry
3 years, 4 months ago

Omicron variant doesn’t escape RTPCR, RAT, says Health Ministry

The Hindu  

COVID-19 variant Omicron doesn’t escape RTPCR test and Rapid Antigen Test, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. “States are advised for target/prioritized testing of passengers from the not “at-risk” countries also as part of the ramped up testing by the states,” says a Ministry release. The instructions followed Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan’s virtual meeting with the States/UTs to review …

Federal Health Minister confirms domestic travellers don't have to pay for COVID-19 tests
3 years, 4 months ago

Federal Health Minister confirms domestic travellers don't have to pay for COVID-19 tests

ABC  

The Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed domestic travellers do not have to pay for COVID-19 tests, which state and territories require for entry, if they're obtained at a state-run clinic. Key points: The Commonwealth and states jointly fund tests for people who require it under a public health order For days there has been confusion over whether travellers …

Rapid antigen testing could play crucial role in forging path out of Canberra's COVID-19 lockdown
3 years, 6 months ago

Rapid antigen testing could play crucial role in forging path out of Canberra's COVID-19 lockdown

ABC  

Even as the ACT inches closer to vaccination targets of 80 or 90 per cent, there will still be a major barrier to ending lockdowns. Yesterday ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr indicated that rapid antigen testing could be one of the tools in the territory's arsenal to stop the spread of the virus in the community. "With the new school …

Queensland farmers, truck drivers call for faster COVID tests at NSW border
3 years, 7 months ago

Queensland farmers, truck drivers call for faster COVID tests at NSW border

ABC  

Queensland's trucking and agriculture industries are calling for the introduction of rapid antigen testing for COVID to fix lengthy delays at the New South Wales border. Key points: One truck driver says a three-day wait at the border cost him tens of thousands of dollars Rapid antigen tests return a result within 20 minutes but are not as accurate as …

COVID-19 vaccines, rapid tests to get NSW's Year 12s back in classroom
3 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19 vaccines, rapid tests to get NSW's Year 12s back in classroom

ABC  

Year 12s in Sydney's COVID-19 hotspots will be offered the Pfizer vaccine, and rapid testing will be rolled out in schools in a bid to salvage this year's HSC exams. Vaccinations for Year 12 students Big changes for shopping and schools as NSW records 177 new COVID-19 cases Photo shows A medical worker carries out coronavirus testing. "I don't think …

Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests should be used for frontline workers, politicians and experts argue
3 years, 8 months ago

Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests should be used for frontline workers, politicians and experts argue

ABC  

Rapid COVID-19 tests should be the next tool used in the fight against coronavirus, according to health experts and politicians — including some within the Coalition's own ranks — who argue the tests could help open borders and protect frontline health workers. Key points: Federal Liberal and Labor MPs are among those calling for rapid COVID-19 tests to be introduced …

Top government expert warns of third Covid wave; Testing norms revised to ease pressure on laboratories; more
3 years, 10 months ago

Top government expert warns of third Covid wave; Testing norms revised to ease pressure on laboratories; more

India Today  

Addressing a press briefing on India's Covid-19 situation on Wednesday, Prof K Vijay Raghavan, the principal scientific advisor to the central government, said while the third Covid-19 wave is inevitable in India, the time when it will occur and its scale is not certain at present. Prof Raghavan said while vaccines are effective against variants, but the scientific community needs …

Australia's COVID-19 fight hampered by rationing test kits, immunologist warns
5 years ago

Australia's COVID-19 fight hampered by rationing test kits, immunologist warns

ABC  

Some doctors are warning a promised influx of almost 100,000 COVID-19 test kits in the coming week, won't be enough as stocks are already being rationed and the infection rate is yet to peak. Key points: Immunologist John Dwyer says Australia needs to dramatically increase testing He says 100,000 more test kits would not go far enough Queensland will increase …

Discover Related