Community
5 February, 2022
More essential workers can now access Rapid Antigen Tests in Cairns
SINCE Tuesday, an extended list of essential and critically essential workers can access Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) at the Cairns Showgrounds fever clinic and the rural drive-through fever clinics.
Cairns residents who are symptomatic or are classified as essential workers who could not access RAT tests before can now do so as the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Services (CHHHS) have increased their tests supply.
CHHHS Nursing Director Erin Howell said they have secured thousands of RATs to cover essential workers.
“Unfortunately, when we had limited access to RAT tests, we had to narrow down the access to frontline workers and other very critical workers,” she said.
“We’ve now been able to extend our list, so it now matches that of the Queensland Government website.
“The list now includes public transport workers, teachers, childcare, disability and aged care workers.”
“If anyone on the list has symptoms or need a test to return to work, they can get it at the Showgrounds.”
For workers who need to access RATs to return to work, Ms Howell said it was essential to carry ID with them to source the tests responsibly.
“Explain to the staff where you work, explain to them that your boss has asked you for a test or that you need one to return to work,” she said.
“Presenting your ID when you come for a RAT test is the best way.”
Ms Howell said that CHHHS are confident in the supply of RAT tests they have which will cover the demand of essential workers.
“Our supply is really good, and we have managed to source thousands, so we have definitely increased our capacity for RAT testing,” she said.
“We still offer one test per person; however, if you have a group of unwell people in your home that can’t come out, you can explain that to the staff, and we’ll see what we can do.”
The Commonwealth is in charge of supplying RATs across the country to areas that need it the most, and after the Omicron outbreak in Far North Queensland, the CHHHS received a more extensive supply to relieve the testing clinics.
Ms Howell said that the increased supply has relieved testing clinics.
“We’re happy that we can offer more testing to more people across the community, and we hope that as more RAT tests become available, we see the PCR requirements drop a little, and hopefully, we can see people get their results much sooner,” she said.
The increase in RAT test supplies does not change the access to PCR tests.
If a RAT test comes back negative, but you are still symptomatic, CHHHS encourages you to get a PCR test.
Ms Howell also said the increase in RAT testing has shortened the queues at the fever clinics.
“If you want to get tested (PCR), now is the time to do so,” she said.
People can find the complete list of essential workers and eligibility criteria at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/industry-and-businesses/critically-essential-worker-requirements
RAT testing is available for eligible people at:
• Cairns Showgrounds Walk-in COVID Testing Clinic (DeJarlais Function Centre at the showgrounds along Mulgrave Rd)
• Rural Drive-through Fever Clinics: at Atherton, Innisfail, Tully, Mareeba and Mossman
• Remote facilities: Georgetown, Croydon, Forsayth and Cow Bay Primary Health Centres
