09 August 2022

The ACT Government is ensuring Canberrans who are most at need can continue to access COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs).

Concession card holders who are feeling well can collect free RATs from their local ACT library (not available from ACT Heritage Library).

Eligible concession cards include:

  • Pensioner concession card
  • Commonwealth seniors health care card
  • Health care card (including Low income health care card)
  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs gold, white or orange cards

People with COVID-19 symptoms should collect a RAT from the Garran Surge Centre or get a PCR test at an ACT Government testing clinic.

With the Australian Government’s free RATs for pensioners scheme finishing on Sunday 31 July 2022, ACT Health and Transport Canberra and City Services have worked together to ensure supply is continued.

Acting Minister for Health Chris Steel said Canberrans can collect up to 3 RATs for each person listed on their concession card.

'It is very important that people who need to take a COVID-19 test can have easy and affordable access to one,' Minister Steel said.

'This is especially true for Canberrans who are on a concession card, many of whom are also at a higher risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19.

'Libraries are conveniently located across Canberra and we are very grateful for their assistance in distributing these tests to concession card holders.'

People attending ACT Libraries are encouraged to wear a mask and physically distance as much as possible while inside the facilities.

'Do not come to an ACT Library if you have any symptoms – you should instead attend a COVID-19 testing centre,' Minister Steel said.

'Getting tested for COVID-19 is extremely important. By registering your positive RAT you can be linked into other services including the COVID Care@Home program and access to antiviral treatments'.

How many rapid antigen tests can I collect as a concession card holder?

Up to 3 free rapid antigen tests (RATs) can be collected by each person listed on the concession card per visit to the library.

For example, if there are 3 people listed on the concession card, you can collect up to a total of 9 RATs per visit.

You do not need to have all people listed on the concession card to be present to collect the RATs.

If you need to, you can visit the library more than once to collect free RATs.

More information

For more information, see our COVID-19 testing page.