Rapid testing: Goulburn Valley Health rapid response team member Hannah Garner hands out rapid antigen tests at the Shepparton Showgrounds testing site.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
Those lining up at the COVID-19 testing sites in Shepparton can now opt to be given rapid antigen tests to take at home instead of having a PCR test, after Goulburn Valley Health began to distribute the tests on Monday, January 17.
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People with symptoms or who are close contacts of a COVID-19-positive person will be given two RATs per person at the testing site to take home.
Testing co-ordinator Lisa Llewellyn said the shift to handing out RATs from performing PCR tests helped to move the line at the Shepparton Showgrounds testing sites much quicker.
“We’ve probably handed out thousands of tests today,” she said on Monday morning.
In stock: GV Health rapid response team members Hannah Garner and Kate Harcourt said most people in line at COVID-19 testing sites on Monday would receive RATs instead of PCR tests.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
COVID-19 operations director Sally Belcher said the first day had already improved the testing process.
“I think the process has been really smooth,” she said.
“And it’s obviously quicker.”
It comes after Goulburn Valley Health received stock of the tests last week, which would continue to be “ongoing”, Ms Belcher said.
As part of the roll-out, Ms Belcher said 15,000 RATs were also distributed to other parts of the public health unit.
Services in Seymour, Mansfield, Cobram, Numurkah and Yarrawonga are among those that have received a supply.
While those lining up for a test could still choose to undergo a PCR, the majority of coronavirus tests conducted in Shepparton would now be done with RATs, Ms Belcher said.
“We think that for most people, (RATs) will be the primary option.”
In order to receive a RAT, Ms Belcher said the COVID-19 Testing Registration form still needed to be filled out before arrival to the testing centre.
“We’re still encouraging everyone to go online to get the registration number,” she said.
“So when they come to the test site we can check them in.”
RATs: Two tests per person will be handed out at Shepparton’s testing sites.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
Those that seek a test also still need to bring their Medicare card.
