The nation is facing a widespread shortage of rapid antigen tests (RAT) and the Murrumbidgee is no exception.
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As case numbers have climbed and lines for PCR testing stretch out to the hundreds, rapid antigen tests have become the hottest pandemic commodity of all, even more so than toilet paper.
Hopeful locals have searched high and low for tests to allay their fears of infection, for some peace mind that they are not infectious with COVID-19.
Calling stockists incessantly, frantically driving around to locate tests for friends and family members, this is the reality many now face to not only know their health status but get the all clear to travel, return to work and visit immunocompromised loved ones.
Owner of Leeton Discount Chemist and Amcal Pharmacy TJ Patel said that managing the stock levels for the tests and demand was 'very difficult'.
"Every second phone call we have is an enquiry about stock availability, the tests are such a hot product for the Leeton community," Mr Patel said.
"We sold out on December 31st and have just been waiting for more to arrive but the suppliers are not as fast as they used to be, stock is very sporadic."
Mr Patel also noted that he was seeing visitors from out of town come to the pharmacies to try their luck sourcing the tests.
"When we did have the tests and when we have them back we will do the best we can do police how many are purchased at a time by on individual to prevent hoarding and make sure they go to those who really need them," Mr Patel said.
Pharmacist Sam Gregurke from the Bush Chemist told The Irrigator that the demand and available stock where nowhere near on the same level.
"We are having lots of calls and they are nearly all enquiries about stock availability for the tests," Mrs Gregurke said.
"Our supplier just doesn't have any and whilst we have ordered from other companies we just don't know when they will arrive or how many will arrive."
According to Mrs Gregurke, updates on stock availability of the tests are being posted daily to the Bush Chemist Facebook page.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Unfortunately the four main suppliers to pharmacies across the nation of the tests are also out of stock with no date yet of when new stock will arrive.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison attempted to allay fears of continual RAT shortages, confirming that as many as 160 million rapid tests would soon be arriving in Australia.
The shortages are not the only concern however, with many calling on the government to make tests free and available under Medicare as an essential medical service as prices have continued to skyrocket.
Rapid tests have been made free in countries such as the US, UK and Singapore.
In a recent development, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that the tests will be rolled out through PCR testing clinics statewide in a bid to speed up the testing process.
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