CONCESSION cardholders in NSW will continue to retain access to free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) until the end of Oct, under the State Government's extended program.
The updated scheme, announced yesterday by Minister for Customer Services and Digital Government, Victor Dominello, will provide eligible individuals with up to 10 free RATs, distributed through Service NSW Centres in addition to more than 200 neighbourhood and community centres across the state.
However, the program will not use the state's community pharmacy network to provide access to free RATs.
"Although we are heading out of winter, the risk of COVID-19 remains and we want to ensure RATs are easily accessible for pensioners and concession card holders," Dominello said.
"We are committed to supporting our local communities and helping to drive down the cost of living where we can for vulnerable people."
NSW Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha MacLaren-Jones, said the extension of the program highlighted the Government's commitment to protecting vulnerable people.
"This roll-out is part of the NSW Government's program to provide millions of free rapid antigen tests to ensure they are readily available to support our state's most vulnerable," she said.
"Eligible customers need to show Service NSW staff their Commonwealth concession cards at any one of our 113 Service Centres, four Mobile Service Centres or Disaster Recovery Centres across the State."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 30 Aug 22
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