WA Health has announced changes to COVID-19 testing clinics following low case numbers, a significant reduction in the demand for PCR testing and the increased availability of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) across Western Australia.
Western Australians are choosing RATs as the preferred COVID-19 testing option, with WA leading Australia in providing free RATs to households.
Currently every WA household is able to collect 20 RATs from drive-through collection points and COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the metropolitan area, and COVID-19 testing clinics in regional areas.
Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said there has been 57 million RATs distributed to the WA community and public sector.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank all testing clinic staff for their ongoing commitment to WA’s COVID response,” Dr Robertson said.
“COVID testing clinics have been an essential part of our COVID-19 response.
“Everyone should continue to practise good hygiene habits, stay up to date with vaccinations and stay home if unwell or experiencing symptoms, even if testing negative to COVID-19.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make further adjustments that are required to keep Western Australians safe.”
Between July 1, 2022 and August 1, 2022, 107,326 COVID-19 cases were identified in WA using RATs, compared with 59,854 cases identified via PCR testing.
From Monday September 5, public clinics located at Royal Perth Hospital, Joondalup Hospital, Rockingham Hospital and the PathWest Murdoch Drive Through, will continue to offer free PCR testing without a referral.
Opening hours at public testing clinics to change to 8am – 4pm, 7 days a week.
PCR testing arrangements in regional areas will not change.
From October 1, a referral from a GP or a medical practitioner will be required to access PCR testing at clinics operated by private pathology providers.
