ELIGIBLE Victorians can now collect free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from libraries and customer service desks at participating local councils, including Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
People aged 70 years and over, those who are immunocompromised and specific concession card holders are eligible to collect a pack of five tests.
People living with a disability, including NDIS participants, disability support pensioners and people with a disability who receive a Transport Accident Commission benefit, are eligible for a pack of 20 tests. Carers can collect rapid antigen tests on behalf of an eligible person.
“We are supporting a Department of Health program to offer free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to vulnerable Victorians,” said a spokesperson for the Bass Coast Shire Council.
“Free RATs are now available at our Customer Service Centres in Wonthaggi, Cowes and Grantville.”
They are also available at Leongatha (shire office) and from libraries in Foster, Poowong, Mirboo North, Korumburra and Leongatha.
People should not go to a council site if they have COVID symptoms. State-run COVID-19 testing sites continue to offer free RATs to people who have symptoms.
Who can get free RATs?
Four kits are available people with a disability and carers, including:
- NDIS participants
- Disability support pensioners
- People with a disability who receive a Transport Accident Commission benefit.
One kit is available each visit for people 70 years or older, immunocompromised people and people with the below concession cards:
- Seniors card
- Pensioner Concession card
- Commonwealth Senior Health Care card
- Health Care card
- Low Income Health Care card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards.
Bass Coast Shire Council
Free RATs are now available at Bass Coast Customer Service Centres:
- Wonthaggi, Cowes and Grantville Opening Hours: 10.00am - 3.00pm.
- Inverloch Community Hub Opening Hours: 10.00am - 4.00pm.
South Gippsland Shire Council
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are now available for priority and high-risk community members to collect at the following locations:
- South Gippsland Shire Council Reception 9 Smith St, Leongatha VIC 3953
- Foster Library 9 Main St, Foster VIC 3960
- Poowong Library 18 Ranceby Rd, Poowong VIC 3988
- Mirboo North Library 2 Brennan St, Mirboo North VIC 3871
- Korumburra Library 165 Commercial St, Korumburra VIC 3950
- Leongatha Library 2 Smith St, Leongatha VIC 3953
More information about the local government RAT program can be found on the rapid antigen tests page of the coronavirus website at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-rapid-antigen-tests