Households in remote WA communities to access 20 free Rapid Antigen Tests in COVID-19 fight

Households in remote communities will each receive 20 free Rapid Antigen Tests under the next phase of the State Government program.

This is above the 15 free tests available to households around the rest of the State.

The Government has announced it will distribute 74,000 free RATs to remote Aboriginal communities, allowing them more than other WA residents due to the distances they face from services and access to postage.

The free RATs for remote communities will be handed out by local Aboriginal organisations, including Midwest Employment and Economic Development Aboriginal Corporation based in Geraldton, Yulella Aboriginal Corporation in Meekatharra and the Ngaanyatjarra Council. The Department of Communities and local MPs will also help distribute the RATs.

To improve access to free RATs in regional communities, the Government has made an extra 180,000 tests available at pop-up sites across WA, including Stirlings Central in Geraldton, from Tuesday. People will not need to register beforehand.

Premier Mark McGowan said getting tested was the best way to protect others from contracting COVID. “(It’s) even more critical in vulnerable and remote communities,” he said.

“Providing more free RATs gives regional residents and people living in remote communities the convenience and access to COVID testing so they can protect their communities.”

A full list of upcoming RAT distribution points will be available on wa.gov.au, or by phoning 13 COVID (13 26843).

Each WA household can register to receive free RATs through the WA Free RAT Program.