Are they handing out rapid antigen tests to returning international passengers?

I believe the arrivals testing service provided by Histpath at SYDi (which is different from paid departure testing at SYDi) is still operating. If flying into SYD and you have not procured a RAT beforehand, safest bet would be to just test before you leave SYDi.
 
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None Last night in Melbourne. Son used the ones he'd bought in UK this morning - and it was positive 😩
Ouch. Hope it's an asymptomatic case or better yet mild and that he recovers quickly.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if any handing out of tests comes back once the states have plentiful supply of the RAT tests they've ordered. Though I guess that may be unlikely.
 
Ouch. Hope it's an asymptomatic case or better yet mild and that he recovers quickly.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if any handing out of tests comes back once the states have plentiful supply of the RAT tests they've ordered. Though I guess that may be unlikely.
Unfortunately he tested because he has symptoms. Triple vaccinated too, just three weeks ago.
 
Unfortunately he tested because he has symptoms. Triple vaccinated too, just three weeks ago.
Sorry to hear that Pushka, wishing him a mild case and a speedy recovery.

Out of curiosity what combo were his 3 jabs, and what was gap between dose 2 and 3?
 
I was fortunate to get given a packet on one of the few days they did hand them out, but that was over a week ago now.

Best to bring back RAT tests with you or ask a relative to get some back here (but they can be difficult to find right now - hopefully that will improve soon).
 
Sorry to hear that Pushka, wishing him a mild case and a speedy recovery.

Out of curiosity what combo were his 3 jabs, and what was gap between dose 2 and 3?
Three Pfizer. Second in August and third in mid December. I haven’t heard yet about his partner and she had two AZ and second in June and third Pfizer in early December.
 
I just landed on JAL from HND this morning and no RATs to be found. I’d purchased some before Xmas the prepper that I am and got some more at CDG where they were plentiful.
 
I believe the arrivals testing service provided by Histpath at SYDi (which is different from paid departure testing at SYDi) is still operating. If flying into SYD and you have not procured a RAT beforehand, safest bet would be to just test before you leave SYDi.
The Histopath testing service for arrivals is closed. I contacted them last week and received confirmation that they are closed since on RATs are required now.
 
Got my son returning from LA in a few days. He needs to have a RAT in the first 24 hours, but we can’t purchase the tests anywhere (we are in Far South Coast, NSW). Anyone know if the tests are being handed out to returning international passengers? Would make sense, but that doesn’t mean it’s happening! Cheers, Leeanda
They are readily available in the US. You can get a 4-pack at Walgreens for about $25. Just get in to bring one back with him.
 
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Ironically they were being given out in DRW upon arrival of QF9 from MEL and I asked for one even though I was connecting to another domestic flight...
Yes, I was just in Darwin (13th) with my 2 boys and we were handed a total of 9 rapid tests on the way out of the airport (3 tests each).
 
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I always have extra rapid antigen tests on hand since I'm in high risk. I'd recommend everyone carry some with you - they're quickly becoming the toilet paper of 2022 😂

The only issue now is acquiring them. I'm lucky in that I bought a few 5 packs before this RAT nonsense occurred. I'm guessing I can pick these up gratis from the local respiratory clinic since I'm high risk (immunosuppressed)?

-RooFlyer88
 
The only issue now is acquiring them. I'm lucky in that I bought a few 5 packs before this RAT nonsense occurred. I'm guessing I can pick these up gratis from the local respiratory clinic since I'm high risk (immunosuppressed)?

AFAIK the Feds are limiting free RATs to 10 every 3 months and only for health card holders.

Otherwise to get a free RAT you have to be symptomatic and the test facility opt to give you a RAT over a PCR.
 
Can anyone confirm that a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Australia is still required (for a traveller from the UK)? Queensland has announced a requirement for a RAT within 24hrs of arrival in Qld (we have a tiny supply so can manage that).
I’d be grateful for any clarity!
 
Can anyone confirm that a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Australia is still required (for a traveller from the UK)? Queensland has announced a requirement for a RAT within 24hrs of arrival in Qld (we have a tiny supply so can manage that).
I’d be grateful for any clarity!
 
Can anyone confirm that a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Australia is still required (for a traveller from the UK)? Queensland has announced a requirement for a RAT within 24hrs of arrival in Qld (we have a tiny supply so can manage that).
I’d be grateful for any clarity!
It appears the Australian federal requirements still require a PCR test within 72hrs prior: What I need to do before I travel | COVID-19 and the border
 

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