The NDS welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement that it will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to disability support pensioners and NDIS participants aged 16 and over from Saturday, 9 April.
Two million free RAT tests will initially be distributed over a three month period, followed by a review to determine if the program should be extended.
This announcement follows a range of other initiatives the Victorian Government has undertaken to protect people with disabilities. Given the higher risks associated with contracting COVID-19 faced by many people with disability, this measure will help provide earlier diagnosis.
The tests will be available at current testing sites and through Disability Liaison Officers with evidence of eligibility, such as an NDIS statement.
Those eligible can collect up to 20 RATs per visit to a testing center.