Testing access and supplies 

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) has advised NDS of the following important rapid antigen testing (RAT) and PCR testing supports:

Rapid antigen test supplies

 A Victorian Government email address has been established to support the distribution of the tests.  Please direct your supply needs and any questions or issues to: RREMrapidantigentests@dffh.vic.gov.au

DFFH also advises disability providers to email requests to: RREMoutbreak@dffh.vic.gov.au

DFFH is continuing discussions with the Commonwealth regarding securing further supply to support demand. 

Providers experiencing service continuity issues because of rapid antigent test (RAT) supply should notify the NDIA and NDIS commission notification form

Priority PCR testing for disability workers

Disability workers identified as COVID-19 positive contacts are now in the Priority 1 group for PCR testing with results to be processed quickly.  

Priority testing applies when a disability worker is a contact (regardless of whether it is a workplace, household, or social contact) or if symptomatic. This priority does not apply to surveillance testing.

Individuals who return a rapid antigen positive test result, who are asymptomatic and cannot identify a known COVID-19 positive contact, should complete a PCR test to confirm the result.

Disability workers should clearly communicate that they are seeking testing as a contact and are in the Priority 1 group when presenting for PCR testing at a testing site. A testing site that has rapid antigen test supplies will provide the worker identified as a contact or symptomatic with rapid antigen tests. The number given will depend on local supply.