Tag: rapid antigen tests

Queensland Govt to Issue 18 Million Rapid Antigen Tests

The Queensland government has secured 18 million rapid antigen tests (RATs) to be provided for free at public testing sites to people classified as close contacts. This includes 12 million at-home tests and almost 6 million point of care tests. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the supply would support new national protocols for close contacts…


Aussie Consumer Watchdog to Crackdown on Pricing of Rapid Antigen Tests

Australia’s consumer watchdog has announced it will crackdown on price-gouging of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) amid a nationwide shortage. “The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) is monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action under its existing powers,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement. “We won’t be shy to name and shame…


Spanish Police Seize 300,000 COVID-19 Antigen Tests Suspected of Illegal Sale

The Spanish National Police seized some 300,000 unauthorized COVID-19 antigen tests in several industrial buildings near the nation’s capital, authorities said on Thursday. As reported by the national police, an investigation started on Dec. 28 after agents learned about the possible distribution of antigen tests that did not comply with specific protocols set by the…


Queensland Scraps All PCR Testing for Interstate Travellers as Clinics Deal With Holiday Surge

Queensland has decided to scrap PCR testing for travellers prior to entering the state, switching to the more convenient rapid antigen tests (RAT). In a social media post on Wednesday morning, state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “From Jan. 1, travellers into Queensland from interstate hotspots can use a negative rapid antigen test to satisfy border…


Queensland Scraps Day 5 PCR Test Requirements for Travellers

The Queensland government has done away with the requirement for travellers entering the state to receive a PCR test on the fifth day of their visit. In a press conference on Tuesday, the state’s Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said that based on data received in the past 24 hours the chief health officer has advised…