Victorian government orders another 166 million rapid antigen tests

Image: RATs in a Victorian warehouse – Victorian Department of Health

The Victorian government has ordered another 166 million rapid antigen tests.

The state had previously already ordered 44 million tests.

The initial deliveries of state government ordered RATs have been distributed to hospitals and GP respiratory clinics, community health sites, disability support services, Aboriginal community organisations, family support centres and mental health services.

“This is a very significant order that we’ve placed,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

The order comes as Victoria records 21,966 new cases of COVID-19, and another 15 deaths.

There are 1206 people in hospital with the virus, including 122 in ICU and 40 on ventilators.