A new form allowing Canberrans to notify ACT Health of a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result is now available online.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this change will allow ACT Health to better track Canberrans testing positive to COVID-19 via Rapid Antigen Testing, giving authorities “a clearer picture about the spread of COVID-19 in the ACT”.
“It will also help to alleviate the long queues we have seen at our testing centres and make PCR testing more readily available for those specific groups that now require it,” he said.
Mr Barr said the Territory government is working to secure a supply of RATs for the ACT from their own orders and the previously announced purchase of one million test kits off NSW.
People with a positive RAT result are now asked to refer to the ACT COVID-19 website where they can complete the specific Rapid Antigen Test form.
New information on the ACT COVID-19 website informs those who have tested positive with a RAT of their isolation responsibilities and who they must notify of their positive COVID-19 result.
People who notify ACT Health of a positive RAT result will receive the same supports as anyone who tests positive to a PCR test at an ACT Government clinic.
They can be linked in with ACT Health support services, including the COVID-19 Care@Home program, to manage their illness should they require it.
There are a number of vulnerable people within our community who may be eligible for certain treatments. This includes those who are significantly immunocompromised, pregnant or are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and aged over 55.
Anyone in those demographics who has a positive RAT result can contact the COVID Care@Home team at Canberra Health Services, who will assess your eligibility, and to ensure timely access to treatment if indicated.
Since the initial announcement was made on Saturday that positive RAT results would be reportable online this week, people who have returned positive RAT results prior to the web platform being established have been asked to keep a record of the date of their positive result.
These people are now encouraged to report their results.
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