Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents are now able to access five free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) from selected collection sites around the region – regardless of whether they are a close contact or concession card holder - to help support testing during the current COVID-19 wave.

Up to 500,000 kits are available at existing RAT collection points around the state for people to collect free-of-charge until the end of the year.

The free RATs will also be rolled out to existing PCR testing sites, as well as dozens of community centres and hubs across metropolitan and regional South Australia over the coming weeks to make access as easy as possible.

SA Health is working with community service providers and non-government organisations to ensure vulnerable populations also have access to the free RATs. They will also be distributed to volunteers in emergency services, as well as people living and working in supported residential facilities.

The expanded access means anyone is eligible to collect the free tests, which were previously only available to close-contacts and concession holders and those who had registered.

In line with the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement coming to an end on December 31, South Australia will join other states in transitioning to the next phase of testing, which will see dedicated PCR testing sites and RAT collection sites across South Australia close on Sunday 8 January 2023.

After January 8, COVID-19 PCR testing will continue to be available to South Australians with a GP referral at many existing SA Pathology collection centres, as per the Federal Government rules for pathology testing under Medicare. Some private providers will also continue to offer PCR testing.

This is consistent with changes around the country - some states have already closed their dedicated PCR sites.

SA Pathology has advised there has been a significant decline in the take-up of PCR testing throughout each wave of the pandemic. This is likely to relate to increased availability of RATs as a quick alternative for many people.

Chief Public Health Officer, Prof Nicola Spurrier says, "Getting tested and staying away from others with any respiratory symptoms continues to be important to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the community."

At the peak of testing in December 2021, SA Pathology collected a maximum of 15,247 swabs in a single day through the testing sites.

As a comparison, in the BA.4/BA.5 wave during June/July SA Pathology collected a maximum of 6,666 samples in a single day.

In the current wave SA Pathology collected a maximum of 2,302 samples in a single day.

COVID-19 PCR testing remains particularly important for people who are eligible for oral antiviral treatments, and this includes people over 70 years of age. Eligible people should speak with their doctor to develop a plan for what they should do if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.

SA Pathology will continue to operate its 24-hour laboratory service to ensure these individuals can continue to receive their COVID-19 test results quickly via text message.

Fleurieu Peninsula RAT collection sites:

Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre - RAT Collection Point - Pridham Boulevard, Aldinga Beach

Victor Harbor - RAT Collection Point - 2 George Main Road, Victor Harbor

Kangaroo Island RAT collection site:

Kangaroo Island - RAT Collection Point - 3-7 Esplanade, KINGSCOTE

For more information