The ‘perfect storm’ fuelling serious rapid antigen test shortage

The chief operating officer of Chemist Warehouse says three factors have combined to fuel a serious rapid antigen test (RAT) shortage.

Chemist Warehouse COO Mario Tascone says there’s “no problem with the flow of stock coming into stores”, but tests are being snapped up within a short window after delivery, despite purchase limits.

“Our situation in Melbourne, I think most stores got a really healthy delivery on Saturday afternoon and Sunday,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“This morning, our stock levels in Victoria, in particular, are down to zilch.”

Mr Tascone says a “perfect storm” is fuelling shortages.

“With so much COVID in the community transport companies are shutting down, you’ve booked a driver and then he has to furlough because he’s a close contact or he’s COVID positive,” he said.

“Throw in public holidays, the way they’ve fallen over the weekends, that’s why the past seven days has been a nightmare.

“It’s a perfect storm at the moment — demand is high, public holidays and all this COVID around.”

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