A positive rapid antigen test result will now be accepted as confirmation a person has tested positive for COVID-19 in the ACT.
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People who test positive on a rapid home test will no longer need to line up for a PCR test to confirm their result.
The territory's acting Health Minister, Chris Steel, said the change would save time and reduce the pressure on pathology laboratories in the ACT.
"[Rapid antigen tests] are becoming more available, and we know that significantly more are arriving later this month," Mr Steel said.
People who test positive on a rapid test kit have been asked to keep a record of the date of the result, so it can be entered into an online reporting system.
The reporting system is expected to become available next week.
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Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the change would make it easier for Canberrans who test positive to COVID-19.
Health authorities said people who are vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19 should contact the COVID Care@Home program run by Canberra Health Services for treatment and support.
"I also want to thank our community for continuing to do the right thing as we try to keep those most vulnerable in our community safe," Mr Steel said.
The federal government will soon accept a positive rapid antigen test result as proof of a COVID-19 infection for the pandemic leave disaster payment.
From January 18, people who lose at least a day of work because they are isolating or have tested positive to COVID-19, or are caring for a COVID-19 positive person, could qualify for up to $750.
The ACT reported 1305 new COVID-19 infections in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, with the territory now managing its highest hospital case load since the pandemic began.
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Jasper Lindell
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
