FREE Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT)
Dear parents and carers
I am writing to let you know that free RATs for each student have now been delivered to the school.
These free RATs will support our students to continue to attend school for face-to-face learning and will minimise disruption to their schooling. You will be able to test your child at home if they are feeling unwell. You can also use these RATs if your child is a close contact to enable them to test daily and continue to attend school, as long as they receive a negative result, remain asymptomatic, and wear a mask if they are in Year 7 and above. I attach a letter from WA Health which explains how to use the RATs.
We will start handing out these RATs as follows:
· Parents may collect their children’s free RAT tests today (Wednesday 11 May) from 2.45pm in front of the staffroom
· Tomorrow (Thursday 12 May) from 8.00am in front of the staffroom.
Please note – tests must be collected by an adult, they will not be provided to students.
If your child becomes symptomatic they should stay home and be tested for COVID-19. You should notify the school if your child tests positive for COVID-19. Refer to healthywa.wa.gov.au for information on close contact definition, testing and isolation requirements.
Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping our school COVID-19 safe.
Kind regards
Anthony Middleton
Principal
Dianella Primary College
FREE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS
WA Premier Mark McGowan recently announced the State Government’s expansion of its free rapid antigen test (RAT) program, including provision of more than 10 million free RATs to school students to enable families access to RATs so they can test their children, if required.
A rapid antigen test is a quick home test to check if you have COVID-19 and provides a result within 15 to 30 minutes.
RATs can be used to test household members who are close contacts or have symptoms, including a fever of more than 37.50C, acute respiratory symptoms (including cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, acute loss of smell or taste) or non-specific symptoms (including fatigue, headache, diarrhoea or nausea/vomiting).
Anyone with symptoms should be tested for COVID-19 and if negative, stay home until symptoms clear. Find out what to do if a household member tests positive for COVID19 or is a close contact as part of the testing and isolation process. Check the WA Government website - COVID-19 Coronavirus: What to do if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact (www.wa.gov.au).
Most RAT kits have a QR code that links to a video that shows how to take the test – whether it is a saliva test or nasal swab. Kits also include guidance on their recommended use.
Check the suitability of the free RATs provided for young children and follow instructions closely. Parents or guardians should perform or supervise RATs on children.
For more information about COVID-19, go to the HealthyWA website (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/) or call the 13 COVID help line on 13 268 43.
If you need more information about the free RAT program, please contact your school. May 2022