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As Covid-19 cases soar and rules around testing change, NSW Health has explained exactly when to take a rapid antigen test.
The state recorded 92,264 new infections, including 61,387 from a backlog of rapid antigen tests as NSW changed its rules around testing this week.
Rapid antigen tests are now in greater use than PCR to diagnose Covid, but supply shortages and kits costing $10-$15 mean the right time to take one is crucial.
NSW Health has revealed exactly when people should take a Rapid Antigen Test as supply remains scare across the state (pictured, stock photo)
NSW Health laid out six situations when people should do a rapid antigen test to check if they have Covid.
The first is if they show symptoms of Covid-19 such as a fever, cough, runny nose or loss of taste or smell.
Anyone deemed a close contact in a household, workplace, or in education is also advised to use a rapid test to check if they have contracted the virus.
Rapid antigen tests are also recommended before attending an event, or visiting vulnerable family members.
Workers, residents, or visitors to a high-risk locations with a confirmed outbreak are required to self-test before entering.
Rapid antigen tests are also advised for international arrivals and before attending a hospital for a procedure if asked to do so.
However, NSW residents will find it hard to follow this advice as pharmacies are stripped bare of rapid antigen tests with shortages unlikely to improve for another
