AS the community continues to adapt to living with COVID-19, the State Government has announced a new initiative to provide free rapid antigen tests (RATs) to all Victorians.

On December 22 2022 the government announced local councils already providing free RATs to eligible members of the community - such as concession card holders, those aged 70 and over, people with a disability and other higher risk groups - would be supported to provide the tests to all members of the community until June 2023.

The council distribution program is currently operating across 180 local sites like libraries and council customer service centres, with preparations underway to expand access further throughout next year.

The Southern Grampians Shire Council announced on Friday via a social media post that free RATs would be available for collection from Council’s Brown Street Customer Service office, Greater Hamilton Library, and the Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC) for people who are 70 years or older, hold a Concession Card, have a disability or are immunocompromised (or you are a carer for someone who is).

Moyne Shire Council also announced last week that they will provide free RATs to the community which can be collected from the booth at the front door of Moyne Shire Council’s Mortlake office and the front entrance of the Port Fairy Customer Service Centre.

Moyne Shire Council acting chief executive, Edith Farrell, said providing free tests to anyone who needs them would help keep transmission rates in the community low and provide peace of mind to residents.

“Council has been providing Rapid Antigen Tests to vulnerable members of the community for some time,” she said.

“On 22 December 2022, the State Government advised it would make RATs available to all members of the community, not just those deemed vulnerable. 

“Subsequently, Council is now making RATs available to any member of the community who requires them.”

With RATs becoming the primary tool for early detection of COVID-19 and access to the tests expanding, demand for state-funded PCR testing has steadily declined, resulting the remaining state-run PCR testing sites closing on December 31.

The remaining state-run mobile vaccination services also ceased operations at the end of last year as most Victorians are now getting vaccinated locally through GPs and pharmacies.

Western District Health Service (WDHS) director of nursing, Lorraine Hedley, said the number of COVID-19 patients in Hamilton remained low over the last month, with no patients currently in the COVID ward.

 “Since the 19th of December WDHS has had up to four inpatients at a time in the COVID ward at Hamilton Based Hospital (HBH),” she said.

“As of Monday, January 2nd all have been cleared to return home - there are currently no COVID positive inpatients at HBH.

 “There have been no transfers to other hospitals, or ICU admissions during this period.

 “A total of 13 patients presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with COVID from 19th December to 2nd January - this compared to 11 presentations the fortnight prior.

“Since 1st January we have had only two Covid presentations to ED.”

Ms Hedley said it was still important for locals to continue to take simple measures to protect themselves and the broader community from COVID-19, such as continuing to test when unwell.

 “To stay safe this summer, we recommend you follow these six simple steps – make sure your vaccinations are up to date, wear a facemask in indoor settings, open windows and doors and use fans and air purifiers, get tested if you are unwell, call your GP if you are concerned, and get medication if you are eligible/at risk.”

For tips on how to protect yourself and others, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/health-advice