In today’s Blog update, we will talk about International travelers requested to check Australia’s list of approved Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits before purchasing it from outside Australia.
Please keep in mind that many Australian states and territories obligate international travelers to take rapid antigen tests inside 24 hours of arrival and again on day 6.
Highlights of today’s Blog:
NSW Government notifies returning passengers to purchase only TGA-approved kits
Passengers are obligated to sign an Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) form 72 hours before departure
Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) commands travellers to understand the quarantine and testing obligations of each state and territory
The TGA has characterized the RAT kit suppliers according to three levels of clinical sensitivity – acceptable, high and very high.
A Department of Health representative informed that there are 18 self-tests approved for use in Australia as of 3 January 2022.
The spokesperson further stated that, “The main aim of the information is to guide prospective buyers (individuals, pharmacies, retailers and wholesalers) which self-tests have been authorized by the TGA and are therefore lawfully able to be supplied in Australia”.
The government of NSW also long-established that no RAT kits are supplied to international arrivals at the airport.
NSW Health said in a statement that, “The rapid global spread of Omicron – specifically during the festive season – has led to a global surge in demand for RAT kits”.
“The NSW Government has arranged 50 million kits to assist boost the state’s COVID-19 health response, with the first shipment anticipated later in January 2022.
“NSW Health is currently working with the Commonwealth on how its testing kits will be circulated across NSW. On the other hand, vulnerable communities will be a priority.”
The federal government also confirmed that the states and territories have ordered 84 million test kits.
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