The Australian Medical Association is urging state and federal governments to agree to guidelines for when to use rapid antigen tests at a hastily convened meeting of national cabinet on Thursday.
The Prime Minister said it was important to adjust Australia’s approach to the pandemic as more than 18,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed around the country on Wednesday.
Victoria and NSW have placed large orders for the home testing kits as local pathology labs strain under PCR testing pressure.
Almost two years into the pandemic,the Australian response remains a mish-mash of different policies and practices largely determined by local jurisdictions.
National cabinet has endorsed medical advice recommending a return to wearing masks in indoor settings but there has been no change to the booster schedule.
National cabinet will meet today and discuss state testing travel requirements,with testing in NSW and Victoria under enormous pressure due to Omicron outbreaks.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will not go back into lockdowns,but he views a recommendation from the country’s chief health officers for using masks indoors as “very sensible”.
But Health Minister Greg Hunt says there is still an important role for masks in indoor settings,as the country’s leaders prepare to meet on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison vowed Australians will not go back into lockdowns after the border reopening to some visa holders and countries was paused to slow the spread of the new strain into Australia.
New Doherty Institute modelling shows rapid antigen tests for students before their school day works just as well as quarantining an entire class.
National cabinet has agreed to make a plan for regular rapid testing of people most at risk of a new COVID-19 outbreak,which could include school students.