Finding Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in Canberra seems to be harder than discovering a golden ticket, with demand dramatically outstripping supply.

Canberrans wanting to do the right thing by testing themselves and their families are understandably frustrated with the lack of availability across the pharmacy sector.

Managing partner at Capital Chemist Wanniassa, Elise Apolloni, said pharmacies have been doing their best to back order the tests, but haven’t been given much information on delivery times, and the orders come in “dribs and drabs”.

“We really have no solid timing on when we will receive the tests and the supply is not where it needs to be. It’s a lot of pressure but we’re hoping the supply issues will ease in the coming months,” Ms Apolloni said.

“We get occasional deliveries but it’s nowhere near enough and they come and go so quickly. We do our best to communicate to people when we do have a delivery but have never really had any notice when they do arrive.”

She said checking pharmacy social media pages is your best bet to finding a test, and to continue to check in on vulnerable community members and neighbours who may need a test but don’t have internet access.  

“We put in a limit of five tests per person to try and spread out the supply, and most people are respectful of that. Even with the limit, we’re usually out of stock again within a couple of hours.”

Ms Apolloni also urged Canberrans to remember that pharmacy workers are all humans who are trying their absolute best in a really “tough” situation.

“We’re grateful to the majority of Canberrans who are respectful to us, but I just want to remind people to be kind. Everyone is carrying a lot more than they show on the outside,” she said.

“We are putting ourselves in a vulnerable position every day and a tough conversation or unpleasant encounter can send our poor staff to tears at the drop of a hat. It’s a fragile time.”

She said staff spend many hours not only at work but in their own time at home trying to source RATs and are “not just being slack”.

“We don’t control when deliveries come, and our staff members being treated poorly for the lack of deliveries is the most upsetting, because they’re being treated badly for something they can’t fix.

“We can’t control the international supply of an item. Everyone is just trying their best.”

According to Ms Apolloni, the popularity of the tests is an encouraging sign that Canberrans are doing their best to protect themselves and their loved ones.

While the government announcing RATs will be free to concession card holders is positive, she said they are still learning about the scheme and more information will be provided in the coming days.

“Any access is good access, but we want to make sure that everyone gets it.”

Visit findarat.com.au to see what businesses near you could have RATs in stock.   

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