Rapid Antigen Tests For People With Disability

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that almost 300,000 Rapid Antigen Tests will be distributed to thousands of people with disability and their support workers to help prevent their exposure to COVID-19.

Mr Ward said the testing kits were a vital part of protecting people living and working in disability funded residential settings.

“As the former NSW Minister for Disability Services, I understand just how vital it is to assist our most vulnerable members of the community while the pandemic continues,” he said.

“Protecting people with disability is important because they can often be at greater risk of developing more serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19,” Mr Ward said.

“This initiative supplements the rollout of Rapid Antigen Tests to NDIS participants announced on 4th February 2022 by the Commonwealth Government, which holds the primary responsibility for supporting the disability sector.  

“The testing kits will be distributed to almost 9,000 people with disability and their support workers by staff in NSW Health Local Health Districts working with disability service providers.

“The Department of Communities and Justice is working closely with NSW Health to identify and support priority groups, reflecting the joint effort to support vulnerable and at risk sections of the community across the health and human services sectors.

“People with disability can also purchase testing kits using their NDIS plan funding or access their free allocation from community pharmacies available for those who hold Commonwealth Health Care or Concession Cards,” Mr Ward concluded.