The nation is facing a widespread shortage of rapid antigen tests (RAT) and the Murrumbidgee is no exception.
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As case numbers have climbed and lines for PCR testing stretch out to the hundreds, rapid antigen tests have become the hottest pandemic commodity of all, even more so than toilet paper.
Hopeful locals have searched high and low for tests to allay their fears of infection, for some peace mind that they are not infectious with COVID-19.
Calling stockists incessantly, frantically driving around to locate tests for friends and family members, this is the reality many now face to not only know their health status but get the all clear to travel, return to work and visit immunocompromised loved ones.
A Bush Chemist staff member told The Area News that the demand and available stock were nowhere near on the same level.
"There has been a very high demand for community members wanting rapid antigen tests and it has been increasingly difficult for us to locate stock," she said.
Chemist Warehouse Griffith Owner Rakhee Rathi said the demand had 'far exceeded' initial expectations.
"The cases are growing so the demand for rapid antigen tests is growing too," Mrs Rathi said.
"Every second person wants one and whilst we are doing our best to meet this demand we are struggling.
"We are trying hard to get more stock for the community."
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John Dodd Pharmacist Angela Lam said that almost 'every call' made to the pharmacy was an enquiry about stock availability for the tests.
"Nearly every phone call we get is about rapid antigen test stock availability, the phone has been ringing off the hook, it has been very hard for us," Mrs Lam said.
"Stock is sporadic, and whilst we have the tests on backorder we have have no idea when they will arrive, and when they arrive they will arrive much quicker than we can order new tests."
Unfortunately the four main suppliers to pharmacies across the nation of the tests are also out of stock with no date yet of when new stock will arrive.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison attempted to allay fears of continual RAT shortages, confirming that as many as 160 million rapid tests would soon be arriving in Australia.
The shortages are not the only concern however, with many calling on the government to make tests free and available under Medicare as an essential medical service as prices have continued to skyrocket.
Rapid tests have been made free in countries such as the US, UK and Singapore.
In a recent development, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that the tests will be rolled out through PCR testing clinics statewide in a bid to speed up the testing process.
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