RAT kit collection sites limited in regions

RAT collection points at Port Augusta, Murray Bridge and Glossop were opened earlier in the week, while a site at Mount Gambier has opened today (Thursday).

A pickup site at Naracoorte will open on Saturday and collection points at Mount Barker and Onkaparinga sites will be opening soon.

Those who have been identified as a close contact will need to register through the SA Health website, and will receive a confirmation email and text message that will be shown at the RAT pick up point, where they will then receive two free tests to be administered at home - one immediately, and the other on day six. It is a legal obligation to report all positive RAT results.

"Providing even greater and easier access across the state to RAT is an important part of our ongoing plan in response to the Omicron outbreak," Premier Steven Marshall said.

Planning is under way for further RAT collection sites to be unveiled across the state in the coming fortnight but opposition health spokesperson Chris Picton said the lack of sites available showed a "lack of preparation".

"Accessing (RAT test kits) is still very difficult for most South Australians," he said.

The Tatiara District Council is one of many regions that does not yet have a RAT collection pickup point, and local mayor Graham Excell said it "wasn't feasible" for many people in his area to drive to Murray Bridge or Naracoorte to pick up a test.

"We have PCR testing available in Bordertown, which is central to our area and generally has quite a quick turnaround with results, and some RATs are available commercially around the area, but the whole thing is a bit of playing catchup," he said.

"We're going to have to learn to live with this for a fair while, so it's important people continue to do the right thing.

"I'm not necessarily worrying or panicking about RATs because at the moment we're being provided for by the PCR, but it will be good when RATs come to our area because it'll alleviate the pressure on the PCR testing."

Rural Doctors Association of SA president Peter Rischbieth said it was extremely important RAT kits were self-administered correctly.

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"When you're testing yourself, you have to stick the swab way up the back of your nose and give it a real twist - if it's not done properly, the test won't work," he said.

Dr Rischbieth said many factors needed to be taken into consideration when the government was determining regional locations for new RAT collection sites.

"Rural areas that have high case numbers and low vaccination numbers are places where they're most needed, so those areas should be targeted," he said.

"Many people don't have the money to travel, so the kits need to be available in smaller towns - even though that's a logistical challenge - and also to GPs, pharmacy works and primary carers who are frontline workers."

Dr Rischbieth said many already overworked GPs were being inundated with calls from concerned community members, and urged for Healthdirect and information helpline capacities to be boosted.

"A lot of people are waiting in long phone queues for Healthdirect and so are ringing GPs instead because they're anxious and need advice - the system is overloaded," he said.

For more info about RAT kits, click here, or to find your nearest PCR testing site, click here.

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