Major changes are coming to how Australia handles Covid – here’s why it will become harder to get a PCR test
- Health Minister Mark Butler revealed a major shift to way nation deals with Covid
- Covid-19 will be treated in a ‘simlilar way’ to other respiratory viruses, he said
- Under the plan, Australians will need a refererral to obtain a PCR test from Jan 1
Australians will need a referral to obtain a PCR test from January 1 in a major shift to the way the country deals with Covid-19.
Health Minister Mark Butler has released the national Covid health management plan on Monday, with changes to the way the country’s health services deal with the virus as cases once again surge.
Over 2023, Australia will transition to managing Covid-19 in a ‘similar way’ to other respiratory viruses, moving away from bespoke arrangements.
Mr Butler said under the plan, GP-based respiratory clinics would be extended throughout summer, a plan he said would protect vulnerable groups in the community.
From January 1, PCR testing will only be available via referral
There are caveats in the plan to protect those in residential aged care, disability care, and other vulnerable Australians.
‘This plan strikes the right balance, we’re confident, to protect vulnerable Australians, to protect the integrity of our health and hospital system while transitioning safely out of the emergency phase of the pandemic,’ he said.
It comes as Covid-19 cases surge across the country, with NSW recording more than 40,000 new cases last week and 48 deaths with 1526 in hospital – 40 of whom are in intensive care.
Victoria averaged 682 daily hospitalisations and 28 daily intensive care admissions, and reported 27,790 new cases last week.
There were 15 deaths in the latest reporting period in Queensland, with 320 people in hospital with the virus.
More to come.
Advertisement
