Rapid home and business self-tests for COVID on their way – learn all about them from the experts

Getting tested easily and quickly for COVID at home or in a business is set to become a reality with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval to legally supply what are called rapid antigen self-tests given the official tick of today.

The tests will allow workers in businesses to quickly get checked for COVID and you will also be able to use them at home, rather than going to test clinics.

The rapid testing kits will be available from November but there are not surprisingly many questions about how they and how the system will work – here’s how you can find out from the experts.

A globally renowned emergency response specialist and a Hawkesbury-based test manufacturer, will be available to brief small business owners and workers on its use this coming week during a Zoom briefing.

Dr Ian Norton, founder and Managing Director of Respond Global, is a specialist emergency physician and expert in coordinating emergency health responses to disease outbreaks and disasters.

He was head of the WHO’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Initiative in Geneva from 2014-20, leading responses to Ebola, Diphtheria and Measles outbreaks as well as to earthquakes, cyclones, and war zones.

Abhay Pawah from Hawkesbury manufacturer, Innovation Scientific, will explain what the testing is and how it can be used. Innovation Scientific has been working with the TGA since their approval last year to supply point of care rapid antigen tests.

The Zoom briefing has been organised by Macquarie MP Susan Templeman who said she “welcomed the Federal and NSW Governments’ decisions to follow what has been happening overseas for many months, as an extra tool in opening up with COVID.”

“Everyone is ready to move into the next phase, especially small business, and I’ve long believed that this testing will help us move around with a sense of security.

“However, we all need to understand how the self-testing works and what its limits are, and it is very timely for local business owners, their workers and customers to learn more.

“Innovation Scientific is very knowledgeable about what self-testing involves, and I’m thrilled to be able to draw on their expertise as a local Hawkesbury manufacturer,” Ms Templeman said.

“And I’m delighted that Ian is willing to share his international expertise with people in the Hawkesbury. I worked with Ian in my business life, before politics, when he was leading Australia’s international medical emergency response in disasters throughout the Asia-Pacific.

“I do want to stress that this forum is an opportunity for people to learn and ask questions about rapid antigen self-testing, rather than debate vaccination issues.”

The forum will be held on Wednesday, October 6 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Those wishing to attend the event should visit: https://www.susantempleman.com.au/have-your-say/events/register-rapid-antigen-testing-briefing/

If you are already a Hawkesbury Post supporter, thank you! Our site is free, relying on our supporters to operate. Independent journalism is more important than ever, please consider contributing.

Click here to see how

Don’t pay so you can read it. Pay so everybody can read it!