Home COVID-19 tests approved for Aussies from November 1

Australians will be able to test themselves for COVID-19 at home after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the use of rapid antigen tests.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced today the medical regulator had approved the use of the home testing kits from November 1.

Rapid antigen tests are already being used in a number of settings, such as aged care homes and some quarantine facilities and workplaces.

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Mr Hunt said home testing would enable people to go about their daily life safely when Australia reopens.

"This is an important additional protection for Australians," Mr Hunt said.

"Home testing will support Australians and support the national (reopening) plan."

The tests are not as precise as PCR tests, but they only take 10 to 15 minutes.

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Mr Hunt said the TGA had received 70 expressions of interest for home test approvals and 33 had been approved for supervised use.

"They will now be considered and made available if found to be safe and effective. That is very important."

Mr Hunt also said the Federal Government wanted to ensure that all the states and territories is in an position to accept the home tests.

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