The McGowan Government’s free RAT program is being expanded to provide 10 free RATs to confirmed close contacts from this week.
Following the easing of public health measures and based on the latest health advice, close contacts with no symptoms no longer have to isolate for seven days, provided they:
- undertake daily Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for seven days;
- wear a mask outside the home; and,
- avoid high-risk settings, including hospitals, healthcare settings, disability and aged care facilities, and correctional facilities, unless they work at these locations.
To support Western Australians impacted by ongoing measures for close contacts with no symptoms, thousands of free RATs will be available for collection at the Claremont, Midland, Armadale, Kwinana, Joondalup, Mirrabooka, Ellenbrook, Mandurah and Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre vaccination clinics.
They will also be available for collection at State-run regional COVID testing clinics, including those co-located at Albany Health Campus, Hedland Health Campus, Broome Hospital, Geraldton Hospital, Kalgoorlie Hospital and Narrogin Hospital.
Please do not attend regional emergency departments for RAT collection.
More regional locations throughout our State will be announced in the coming days.
People with no symptoms are required to verbally confirm they are a close contact to access their 10 free RATs at these locations. They may also collect RATs for other close contacts in their household.
Close contacts with symptoms must isolate until symptoms clear and get tested as per existing protocols. If a close contact tests positive, they must isolate for a further seven days as per arrangements for positive COVID-19 cases.
The WA Free RAT Program has delivered millions of RATs directly to WA households and through pop-ups at train stations, shopping centres and major events to prepare the community for COVID-19.
Additionally, 12 million free RATs are being provided to schools and childcare facilities for parents and carers when required.
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As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“WA’s preparedness for Omicron has meant we have been able to safely secure our soft landing.
“The new close contact protocols, under the new baseline settings, allow Western Australians who have no symptoms to leave their homes, with some safe measures to keep the community safe.
“We understand that taking a daily Rapid Antigen Test could place added pressure on family budgets, so we’re delivering more free RATs to support Western Australians in that situation.
“WA’s approach to COVID-19 management and our preparation has put us in the best possible position to live with COVID.
“I’d like to again thank every Western Australian for continuing to do the right thing.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“Thank you to all those who continue to protect our community and get tested for COVID-19.
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting those who are impacted by the close contact requirements.
“Nine vaccination clinics across Perth will provide free RATs to close contacts who need them for daily testing.
“WA Country Health will also distribute free RATs at testing clinics across regional Western Australia.
“During the cooler months, please make sure you stay up to date with your COVID and flu vaccinations, wear a mask as necessary, and continue to wash your hands regularly.”
