Free rapid antigen tests for the most vulnerable

Wellington Shire Council has received funding from the Victorian Department of Health to provide COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) to eligible people.

The Council COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Program is happening now and will run until 30 June 2023.

The state government program provides RATs to people living with a disability, people who are immunocompromised, or anyone who may face barriers accessing tests under normal circumstances.

To continue to help with early detection and treatment of COVID-19, free rapid antigen tests are available to support those most vulnerable in our Wellington community, including:

• People aged 70 years or older
• People with a disability, immunocompromised people (self-declared) or their carer including NDIS participants, Disability support pensioners and people with a disability who receive a Transport Accident Commission benefit
• Commonwealth Concession Card holders including people with a Victorian Seniors card, Pensioner Concession card, Commonwealth Senior Health Care card and Health Care card, Low Income Health card and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said this extra funding further enhances the important role that Council has been undertaking throughout the pandemic to support residents to stay healthy and protected, especially the most vulnerable in our community.

“Over the next six months, we will aim to distribute up to 9,000 individual tests to those who are most at risk and vulnerable to COVID-19” Cr Bye said.

Eligible people are encouraged to collect free tests from collection sites located at Council Customer Service Centres in Sale and Yarram, or at any Wellington Shire library branch.

Wellington libraries are located in Heyfield, Maffra, Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Yarram.

A limit on the amount of test kits available per person will be at the discretion of Council.

For more information about accessing free RATs, click here or contact us on 1300 366 244.

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