Health authorities should urgently introduce COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for high-risk frontline workers, experts say, following the positive test of an air crew driver in Sydney.
“This could stop infectious people and workers in high risk environments from spending another day out in the community, in crowds and continuing with their activities before realising they are positive,” he said.The latest positive case in NSW, a man in his 60s, worked in a role that included transporting international flight crew. A statement from NSW Health said the man had a saliva test on Tuesday. The positive result was confirmed in a PCR test on Wednesday.
Germany recently introduced free rapid antigen tests for the general population. People are required to get a PCR test following a positive result and follow advice on self-isolation. Experts say in Australia use of rapid tests should be reserved for high risk situations such as quarantine rather than the wider population.
“For people with no symptoms rapid antigen tests pick up about 50 to 60 per cent of cases but they are particularly effective in picking up those with very high viral loads,” he said.A NSW Health spokesperson said: “Daily saliva testing, when working, is a requirement for all quarantine and border workers in NSW.”
lucy_carroll marywardy Why? Just have the daily test like he was supposed to.
lucy_carroll marywardy ... and international flight attendants and other air crew.
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