Free RATs now available in Cairns for a wide group of essential workers

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Local health services have today announced rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be distributed to a large group of essential workers from public testing sites across the Far North.

Those working in education, essential retail, public transport, media and critical supply chains are now eligible to pick up a free RAT, as well as frontline health workers and emergency services.

Workers in power and utilities, freight, agriculture, fisheries and resources industries are also included. 

Supplies will be reserved for eligible workers who have COVID-19 symptoms or need a RAT to return to work.

All close contacts (household members) of a confirmed case who do not have symptoms can also pick up a RAT, to fulfil day six testing requirements to exit quarantine.

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While most public testing facilities across the region have RATs on site, they are not currently available at the Aumuller St drive-through PCR testing clinic.

Those in Cairns should head to the Showgrounds walk-in testing clinic, while RATs can also be picked up at drive-through clinics in Atherton, Innisfail, Tully, Mareeba and Mossman.

CHHHS COVID Services Nursing Director Erin Howell said staff have been working hard to secure more RATs for the region. 

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“Previously the Health Service had limited RATs to selected industries due to issues with RAT supply,” she said.

“Supplies are still limited but we are securing more RATs each week. 

“We are also expecting to see increasing supply of RATs through pharmacies and other outlets in coming weeks. 

“If you are not eligible for a RAT, you can still get a PCR test at any one of our COVID testing locations and at private laboratories, GPs and Wuchopperen.” 

Eligible essential workers

Frontline essential workers

Queensland Health (staff & contractors) 

Queensland Ambulance

Aged care, disability care and pharmacies

Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations

Students participating in placements at Queensland Health facilities

Emergency services 

Police, the Queensland State Emergency Service, maritime rescue, the Coast Guard and the Rural Fire Service, national defence, and security

Power and utilities, water and waste management

Essential retail, including supermarket workers and service stations

Freight and logistics, including freight transported by air, rail, road or sea

Public transport

Education, including primary, secondary and kindergarten school teachers (including childcare  workers)

Agriculture and fisheries production

Resources

Major manufacturing, distribution and critical supply chains

Telecommunications, data, broadcasting and media services

More information here.