23 February 2023

In the next step towards managing COVID-19 more like other infectious diseases, the ACT Government is adjusting testing arrangements and stepping down its Management Declaration.

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs)

From 1 March 2023, Canberrans can collect free RATs from several ACT Government locations, including:

  • ACT Libraries (excluding Heritage Library); and
  • Access Canberra service centres – where customers can pick up a RAT following a transaction.

Canberrans are reminded to only enter and collect RATs from these locations if they are well and don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.

RATs are also available at Canberra Health Services facilities, including hospitals, Walk-in Centres and health centres, where visitors are encouraged to do a RAT before entering.

In addition, the Community Services Directorate will continue to provide free RATs for non-government organisations in line with current arrangements.

RATS are also widely available for purchase across Canberra, including at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail stores.

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said RATs are one of the easiest and fastest ways to diagnose COVID-19.

“It is important to continue to practice the COVID Smart behaviours we’re all very familiar with and have become accustomed to in our daily lives.

“Be prepared ahead of time by having RATs at home to use if you get symptoms or are visiting a relative or friend who would be vulnerable to serious illness if they got COVID.

“Most Canberrans can use a RAT in the own home and receive a result within minutes. If you do test positive, it remains important to take the appropriate steps to look after yourself, manage your infection and protect others.

“There is a lot of useful information still available on the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website about what you should and shouldn’t do if you test positive and where you can access support.”

Garran Surge Centre

From 28 February 2023, the Garran Surge Centre will permanently close.

“The Garran Surge Centre has served the Canberra community well, conducting more than 240,000 PCR tests throughout the pandemic and providing free RATs – in addition to being one of the ACT’s key vaccination centres.

“On behalf of the entire ACT community, I would like to thank every staff member who has been involved in the set-up and operation of the Surge Centre.

“Healthcare staff have worked incredibly hard throughout COVID-19 to provide safe, accessible and effective testing for our community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

The ACT Government will shortly commence decommissioning works. This includes planning for the dismantling of the Surge Centre, remediation of Garran Oval and associated works.

The planning, dismantling and remediation of the site will take time. While there is no definitive timeline at this stage, we will provide updates to the local community as the work continues.

“I know the students at Garran Primary are particularly looking forward to getting their oval back and I thank them for their patience while we work to deliver that,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

Access to PCR testing

From 1 March, concession card holders who are recommended for PCR testing by their GP or treating health professional can access testing from participating collection centres free of charge and without a pathology referral form.

This includes the following concession cards:

  • 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
  • ACT Government Service Access Card

The locations of the participating pathology centres will be listed on the ACT COVID-19 website in the coming days.

Canberrans who don’t have a concession card will be able to access COVID-19 PCR testing at pathology centres across the ACT with a pathology form from their primary care provider.

Anyone who may need additional support or can’t attend a collection centre to get PCR testing is encouraged to contact ACT Pathology to request assistance.

ACT COVID-19 Declaration

The ACT’s COVID-19 Management Declaration and the one remaining public health direction will be lifted on 28 February 2023.

The only remaining direction requires people who test positive using a RAT to report their result to ACT Health. The ACT is currently the only Australian jurisdiction to have this as a legal requirement and the Chief Health Officer has concluded that it is no longer justified.

However, Canberrans are still strongly encouraged to report their positive RAT result online using the form which will remain on the ACT COVID-19 website.

Reporting positive test results helps ACT Health to connect people to information about COVID-19 care and supports and to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the Territory.

“This is a planned step in our ongoing public health response to COVID-19 as we transition to managing COVID-19 outside of emergency arrangements.

“While our formal government emergency management mechanisms are changing, the ACT Government will continue to support Canberrans in practical ways and we encourage everyone to maintain their COVID Smart behaviours.

“That includes adults getting a booster vaccination if it’s been 6 months or longer since their last COVID-19 booster or confirmed infection,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

Information about these changes and how Canberrans can continue to respond to COVID-19 and access support is available at www.covid19.act.gov.au.