Charlotte Varcoe
THERE has been a steady flow of daily Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) being distributed at the Vansittart Park collection site since its opening on January 20.
In the first five days of the collection site being opened 2,292 RATs were collected from the Vansittart Park site.
Close contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case are able to register on the SA Health website prior to collecting two free RAT tests.
Those defined as a close contact include people who live with or have stayed overnight on the same premises as a confirmed case or those who have spent more than four hours in a residential setting with the case during the infectious period.
Close contacts must also isolate for seven days and test on day one and six, reporting any positive test results.
RAT collection point operations manager Michael Smitheram said having the collection points allows close contacts to have easy access to the tests while also reducing the pressure on PCR testing sites across the State.
“If people are not displaying symptoms but are still close contacts, it reduces the demand while also allowing people peace of mind,” Mr Smitheram said.
“The community has responded well and many are happy there are more distribution spots popping up across the State.
“People are also happy that free tests are available for those who need them.”
Despite the positive response from the community, Mr Smitheram said there had been some requests for free tests from those not classified as close contacts.
“I believe there is a little bit of confusion about the Federal Government’s pledge for these tests to be freely available for pensioners and concession card holders which was made around December,” he said.
“There are not many people who come through requesting them despite not being a close contact but there are those occasional clients who are confused.”
The collection site is open from 7am until 5pm every day of the week.
