Geelong Council facilities are offering residents free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in the lead up to winter.
The COVID-19 detection tests can be accessed at City locations including libraries, leisure facilities and customer service centres.
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said there were no eligibility requirements to collect tests, which would be available for free until June.
“Everyone is welcome to come pick up free RATs from our participating council facilities, no matter their age or health, disability or carer status,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“Community members can take up to two kits per person plus up to two for each household member, while those with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.
“Council requests that community members who are experiencing symptoms don’t attend these facilities for a test.”
The move is part of a state-wide push to encourage the use of RATs, with over 200 sites across Victoria currently operating as part of the COVID-19 test distribution program.
While the Victorian government distributed over 125 million RATs in 2022, more than half that number still sit in storage, many approaching their expiry dates.
A government spokesperson said local councils would provide one method to ensure stockpiled RATs could be accessed by the community before they expired.
“The Victorian Government has distributed more than 125 million RATs through testing sites, schools and early learning centres and in other priority settings,” the spokesperson said.
“RATs have also been distributed directly to critical state workforces, health services and vulnerable community members.
“All current RAT stock is closely monitored to ensure only test kits with an appropriate shelf life are distributed to the community.”
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said RATs played an important part in protecting the community from COVID-19.
“There are simple things people can do to enjoy the summer safely,” she said.
“Take a test if you have symptoms, stay home if you’re sick, wear a high-quality mask if you can’t physically distance, talk to your GP to see if you’re eligible for antivirals and stay up to date with your vaccinations.”
