The Emergency Management (Prohibition of Certain Point of Care Tests No 2) (COVID-19) Direction 2021 has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Prohibition of Certain Point of Care Tests No 3) (COVID-19) Direction 2021. This Direction came into effect at 5.17pm on 10 December 2021.
Key changes include:
The Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) can be used by the following entities:
- Medical practitioners
- Dental practitioners
- Ambulance service
- Specialist outpatient facilities (AHPRA registered*)
- Private pathology centres
- Private radiology centres
- Defence health settings
- Aboriginal community controlled health services
- All hospitals
A person who receives a positive Rapid Antigen Test must obtain a COVID-19 PCR test as soon as possible and quarantine as directed until receiving a negative test result.
For more information on RAT for COVID-19, visit:
*For full list of APHRA registered Specialties, Fields of Specialties Practice and Related Specialist Titles, visit:
Other existing requirements remain.
The information above only highlights the key changes made to the Directions and does not reflect all requirements. Members of the public are encouraged to see the full Directions for further information.
All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information can be found here:
If you require further information you can call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 8am to 8pm 7 days per week or go to the SA Health website at or
