Media release – Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health & Dale Webster, Acting State Health Commander, 20 January 2023

Update to COVID-19 testing services as risk level moved to Low

Public Health has changed the description of the Tasmanian COVID-19 risk level from Moderate to Low. This reflects the reduction in COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions, deaths and outbreaks since late December 2022.

With the risk level reduced to Low, and demand for testing at state-run clinics declining, measures are being introduced to ensure Tasmanians have continued access to testing options after state-operated testing clinics cease operation on 31 January.

Measures include:

  • PCR testing will be available via GP clinics or by referral from a GP or health professional to pathology services.
  • People unable to access a GP referral will now also be able to discuss testing options through COVID@homeplus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 973 363.
  • The East Coast (St Helens) and Launceston General Practice Respiratory Clinics, which are funded by the Commonwealth, are available for PCR testing until 28 February 2023.
  • Access to free rapid antigen tests (RATs) for concession card holders from Service Tasmania centres has been extended until the end of April 2023. Commonwealth concession card holders can access 10 RATs over a 3-month period and a maximum of 5 per month.
  • The Service Tasmania RAT concessional access program has also been extended to include Tasmanian Seniors Card holders from Monday 23 January 2023.
  • The RAT home delivery program will continue until the end of April 2023, with access to continue for people living in some rural and regional areas, and for people living with disability who are unable to leave their home. Australia Post will continue to make these deliveries on behalf of the Tasmanian Government.
  • The RAT school distribution program continues in 2023 and the Department of Health has provided an additional 76,000 RATs to a number of schools statewide to ensure they have sufficient stock.
  • RATs also remain readily available for purchase at supermarkets and pharmacies across Tasmania.

Acting State Health Commander Dale Webster said the testing model would move away from reliance on a small number of focused sites towards providing multiple testing options located more equitably across the State.

“From 1 February 2023, Tasmanians will continue to be able to access COVID-19 testing from a variety of providers,’’ Mr Webster said.

“Those at highest risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 who require a PCR test to inform their treatment plan and access antiviral medications will continue to be able to do so.

“RATs are an easy and convenient way to test for COVID-19 and remain the best option for most Tasmanians who are not at higher risk from COVID-19 – access to RATs has been expanded for many.

“This brings Tasmania more in line with the range of testing options offered in other Australian jurisdictions, however, the Department will maintain the ability to stand up large-scale testing responses or more localised services in the future if required”.

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, said that while risk level was now Low, COVID-19 was still present in the community and people should continue to act to keep themselves and others safe.

“When the risk level is Low it may be less obvious that COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community. A Low risk level does not mean there is no risk at all. COVID-19 is still present throughout Tasmania, but at much lower levels than November and December,’’ Dr Veitch said.

“At all risk levels, it remains very important to stay home and get tested if you have cold or flu symptoms. If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others; you cannot always know when you may meet people who are at risk of severe illness.

“If you have a positive RAT, please register your result via the Tasmanian coronavirus website. If you have tested positive to COVID-19 by RAT or PCR, you should stay at home while you have symptoms. If you need to leave home for any reason, you should wear a mask in indoor public places for seven days after your positive test. If you have tested positive, don’t go to high-risk settings including hospitals (unless you need care), aged care or disability care facilities, or visit family members or friends who may be at higher risk, for at least seven days.”

Dr Veitch also said people at higher risk from COVID-19 should talk with their doctor to plan testing if they get symptoms, and treatment if they test positive.

“It’s important to test early for COVID-19 because antiviral medications are available to treat people at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Antivirals must be taken as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications from the virus,’’ Dr Veitch said.

“Vaccination continues to be the best protection against complications of COVID-19, including hospitalisation and death. If you haven’t had your booster, or if you are eligible for a fourth dose, now is the time to get it through your GP or pharmacy.”

For more information on COVID-19, including information relating to the COVID-19 risk level, testing, COVID@homeplus, access to antiviral medications, and the Public Health COVID-19 surveillance reports, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/covid19