Well gang, here we are again. Another day, another change to the rules. Here is a rundown of new changes that will be happening to the COVID testing procedures and new rules for businesses.
Rapid Antigen Testing
From 11:59pm tonight, rapid antigen tests can be used to confirm a positive COVID test officially. If you test positive on the rapid test, it’s considered a probable cause, and you will have to isolate for seven days from the date of the positive test. You will also need to notify all of your close contacts of the positive result.
From tomorrow, it will be mandatory to report a positive rapid test through either a form online (set to go live tomorrow) or by calling the Department of Health.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has also announced that 44 million RATs (rapid antigen tests) have been ordered for Victorians.
This is an attempt to help quell the COVID testing lines for PCR tests and to allow better accessibility for those seeking a rapid test, as they’re pretty hard to find right about now.
Stopping the spread
In an attempt to also help slow down the spread of COVID-19, hospitality and entertainment venues (including restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, arcades and casinos) will once more have an indoor density limit of one person per 2 square metres.
It is also recommended that these venues only offer seated service, and close indoor dance floors.
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Mr. Andrews has asked Victorians to work or study from home if they are able to.
Today’s daily case numbers saw 21,997 new cases acquired locally from 64,861 PCR tests. This means that 1 in every 3 people getting a PCR test are testing positive for coronavirus.
These numbers will be sure to surge with the inclusion of positive RAT tests being included in the numbers from tomorrow.
6 people unfortunately lost their lives over the last 24 hours.
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