Pilbara residents in remote communities will receive 20 free Rapid Antigen Tests per household as part of the WA Free RAT Program.
The initiative ensures remote Pilbara communities, who are unable to register through the WA Free RAT Program, have access to free RATs due to the distance from services and access to postage.
RATs will be distributed by Mawarnkarra Health Service, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service and Wirraka Maya Health Service, the Department of Communities in co-operation with the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance, and by local Members of Parliament.
To make it even more convenient for people in remote and regional communities to access free RATs, an additional 30,000 RATs will be made available at a pop-up site at Karratha City Shopping Centre from Tuesday March 29, without the need for people to register beforehand.
The free RATs for remote and regional communities is part of the second phase of the McGowan Government's WA Free RAT Program.
The supply will ensure remote and regional communities continue to be well-placed to detect COVID-19 with the quick at-home tests.
A full list of upcoming RAT distribution points will be available on WA.gov.au, or by phoning 13 COVID (13 26843).
Each WA household can register to receive free RATs through the WA Free RAT Program.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Our priority is to keep all Western Australians as safe as possible from the risks and impacts of COVID-19.
"High vaccination levels, the use of Rapid Antigen Tests for detection, strong isolation and protocols are all important pillars in helping the Pilbara community manage COVID and reduce illness and spread.
"Delivering these tests directly to the hearts of remote communities will provide confidence to know that COVID-19 can be detected as early as possible."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"It is important for all Western Australians to have access to COVID-19 testing, particularly now that COVID-19 is present throughout the State.
"In addition to providing extra RATs to communities who may not have easy access to postal services, pop-up sites allow more people to go along and pick up their free RATs when convenient."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm pleased the McGowan Government is distributing more free RATs across the Pilbara to ensure our residents will be able to prepare for COVID-19 to keep themselves and their communities safe.
"These free RATs will help protect vulnerable remote Pilbara communities even further."
