Since Beijing announced it is reopening China’s borders, Hong Kong announced that beginning on Dec. 29, most of the pandemic measures will be lifted but the mask mandate will remain in effect. On Dec. 28, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that the vaccination rate in Hong Kong is relatively high, and that more than 2.5…
Hong Kong Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions and Plans to Reopen Border With China
Australian Company Launches Revolutionary COVID-19 Self-Test For Vulnerable Aussies
Vulnerable Australians will be able to access COVID-19 rapid antigen tests far more easily after the release of a new one-step saliva rapid antigen test. The test which is the brainchild of the Australian-based digital health company Gardian took 12 months in the making and is a “non-invasive, saliva-based rapid antigen test that is suitable for all…
Ottawa to Remove Pre-Arrival COVID-19 PCR Test Requirement for Fully Vaccinated Travellers
Canada will drop its pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers starting Feb. 28, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced today. Duclos said at a press conference on Feb. 15 that fully vaccinated travellers will still be required to take a pre-arrival test, but it can now be a rapid antigen test, as long…
Queensland Education Minister Has COVID-19, Back-to-School Announcement Delayed
The Queensland government has delayed the announcement of its back-to-school plan because Education Minister Grace Grace has contracted COVID-19. “We wish her a speedy recovery,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters in Townsville on Tuesday. “As soon as she is back on deck, the Education Minister and I will make that announcement. I think people can…
Claims That Govt Redirected RAT Tests Are ‘Categorically Untrue’: PM
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described allegations that the Commonwealth was requisitioning rapid antigen tests (RATs) as “categorically untrue,” saying the government “would never do that” and that the tests are being prioritised for vulnerable Australians. The prime minister’s comments come after suppliers Werko, Star Hygiene, and HiCraft accused the federal government of diverting…
More RAT Stock to Come in February When Omicron Cases Already Peaked
Pharmacists are reporting that while more rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be coming next week, the “real jump” in supply is not expected until February after COVID-19 hospitalisations are estimated to have already reached their highest level. Australia’s biggest pharmacy distributor, Sigma Healthcare Sigma told The Epoch Times on Jan. 17 it was currently transporting rapid…
Australians Call for Free Rapid Antigen Tests: Survey
More Australians believe the government should provide free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT), according to a recent survey by the Australia Institute, a public policy think tank based in Canberra. The survey, which polled a representative sample of 1,000 Australians between Jan.11 and 14, found that 72 percent of respondents believed RATs should be distributed…
Australian Telehealth Services Restored to Meet Pandemic Demands
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) announced that telehealth consultations would be restored temporarily to meet healthcare demands during the Omicron outbreak. AMA President Omar Khorshid said in a media release that Health Minister Greg Hunt and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had endorsed the AMA’s proposals on Jan. 16 to restore expanded patient access to telehealth. “The AMA…
Rapid Antigen Tests Replace PCR in Australia’s Northern Territory
Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) have replaced PCR in the Nothern Territory to speed up testing and recording of positive cases. Chief Minister Michael Gunner made the announcement on Thursday, highlighting that the last few weeks have shown that speed of testing provides an advantage over Omicron. “Territorians don’t have to wait as long to get…
Australian Opposition Leader Puts Onus of RAT Supply Issue on PM
Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has blamed Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the federal government for the supply shortage of rapid antigen tests (RAT). It comes after the federal government placed an order for over $60 million RATs to five tenders, each under the condition of “extreme urgency or events unforeseen.” “How is it we have…
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