Although the free rapid antigen test [RAT] scheme is now in place for concession card holders, supply chain issues are still expected to hamper availability for the foreseeable future.
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But local pharmacies are imploring concession card holders and the wider community to keep their patience with staff, as the lack of supply goes beyond individual pharmacies.
"We simply didn't have enough in Australia to meet the market, and when you add the fact that state and federal government has had to allocate RAT's to schools, hospitals and aged care facilities, it hasn't created an easy situation for everyone else," Moodie's Pharmacy pharmacist and proprietor Paul Jones said.
"Then you have logistics companies having their workforces affected by COVID cases, which is also a key cause of supply issues, so there's not much else we can say other than for people to be patient."
The free RAT scheme will offer concession card holders 10 free tests over the next three months, and Mr Jones said there has been plenty of interest in the scheme despite the delivery delays.
But he has suggested people only commit to acquiring them if they're absolutely sure they need them.
"Residents should only consider picking up a RAT if they have noticeable signs of COVID, such as a fever, sore throat, coughing or shortness of breath," Mr Jones said.
"I'd advise against using a RAT if you don't have any symptoms, because it's just wasteful, and as they're in such short supply, it's really important for people consider how much they're in need of one."
Mr Jones said RAT's have been delivered to the pharmacy in "dribs and drabs" over the past month, suggesting pharmacists are facing the same difficulties as the general public to secure enough supply.
"We've had them ordered from suppliers, they tell us they're coming and they don't show up, and some suppliers want up-front payment to get them delivered, which is making pharmacists nervous," he said.
"For example, we only received 50 tests last Friday despite ordering thousands, but more are expected in Australia in the first two weeks of February, so we hope to see supply bolstered in the coming weeks."
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
