National

Free rapid COVID tests for disability care

By AAP Newswire

Feb 4, 2022

A file photo of a person holding RATs — Five million rapid antigen tests are to be distributed to people living with disabilities. -AAP Image

NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds has promised people living with disabilities will have access to five million rapid COVID-19 tests by June.

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The government has started distributing 1.2 million COVID-19 tests to residents receiving supported independent living care, as well as workers, amid ongoing shortages.

Supported independent living providers will be tasked with distributing tests to NDIS participants and workers.

Five million are expected to be distributed by June.

Providers supporting at least three NDIS participantsÂ are being prioritised while work is under way to identify the best distribution points for smaller providers.

"The provision of rapid antigen tests in higher-risk residential disability settings provides an additional control to ensure the safety of participants and workers, and support providers to help manage any COVID-19 outbreaks," Senator Reynolds said on Friday.

Last month she announced participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme could use their funding to purchase tests.