BLOOMS the Chemist will this week launch an Australian-first drive-through rapid antigen testing (RAT) facility for all local businesses operating within Sydney's Randwick Local Government Area.
The facility, located inside a shopping centre car park, is a "convenient and fast service for small businesses in the local community to get staff tested using rapid antigen tests, another important tool in the fight to suppress COVID-19 as Sydney begins to emerge from lockdown," the company said.
The initiative is being launched in partnership with Pharma Soul, the wholesaler providing the TGA-approved Testsealabs COVID-19 Antigen Test Cassette - a fast diagnostic test which detects the presence of viral protein from SARS-CoV-2.
Rohit Uppal, pharmacist from Blooms the Chemist Royal Randwick, said "we're very mindful that small businesses have been doing it tough these past few months".
"The rapid antigen tests can bring immediate peace of mind for business owners, especially those reopening, to have confidence that their team will be safe at work regardless of their vaccination status," Uppal said.
"This risk of further business disruption with positive staff cases is something every small business wants to avoid.
"These rapid antigen tests meet the urgent need for accurate, reliable and early detection of COVID-19, providing an important tool to ensure staff members have not contracted the virus.
"Capturing those instances early may mean a business can remain open, which is critical," he said.
Pharma Soul's Stephanie Golman said "we're confident this drive-through will be a huge success that can then be replicated elsewhere".
"Pharmacists are such a trusted part of so many local communities, and we're delighted to be helping them make rapid antigen tests available and keep people safe."
The RAT drive-through will operate 6.30am-9.30am Mon-Sat, with business owners able to book testing times for their staff.
A registered nurse conducts the test, and clients then move into a designated waiting bay for 15 minutes after which they are presented with their result.
A positive test will see the patient directed to a COVID-19 testing centre for a PCR screening.
It's recommended employees be tested 2-3 times a week.
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