Rapid antigen tests being distributed at four Melbourne COVID-19 testing sites

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are being distributed at four PCR testing centres across Melbourne today.
A “small number” of single RATs are being handed out at the Cranbourne, Coolaroo, Deakin University Burwood and Melbourne Showgrounds sites as part of a state government pilot program.
Victorians have been “strongly discouraged” travelling to the sites for the purpose of getting a RAT, as stock is strictly limited.
Confusingly, while only those with symptoms or who have returned a positive RAT are currently eligible for a PCR test, the Health Department advises people in line at the PCR sites may be offered a RAT to use if they don’t have symptoms.
The state government has secured an additional 10 million RATs, bringing the total number to be distributed free to 44 million.
The first batch will arrive in the state “in coming days” and an announcement on how they’ll be distributed is expected to be made later this week.
As part of a pilot program, a small number of single Rapid Antigen Tests are being distributed today at four PCR testing centres in Cranbourne, Coolaroo, Deakin University Burwood, and Melbourne Showgrounds.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) January 5, 2022