Since August 2021, the Australian Government, through the Department of Health (the department) has funded the supply of rapid antigen test (RAT) kits and training to eligible residential aged care facilities across Australia, to protect older Australians as we open Australia through the National Plan. So far, over 650 residential aged care facilities have benefited from the program.
From 24 December to 3 January, the department and the logistics provider will be minimally staffed. In this time there will be no regular deliveries of rapid antigen test kits to residential aged care facilities. This means the RAT.Operations@health.gov.au mailbox and the online request form will not be monitored during this period. Exception to this arrangement applies for facilities requiring emergency rapid antigen kits due to an outbreak only and this will be processed through your assigned outbreak case manager.
Facilities that are still eligible under the program criteria, and anticipate running low of rapid antigen test kit supplies over this period, should plan ahead by submitting requests for supply before Wednesday 15 December 2021. This will allow for processing of requests and delivery to eligible facilities.