We are now entering an unexpected Covid-normal state. Omicron has proved to be highly infectious and Australia survive through our high vaccination rate and boosters. Society is slowly setting in a new mode of operation with Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) being part of daily life.
In January, few RATs were available in the market and the various governments should be held accountable as experts had warned about the situation long before the appearance of Omicron. Now the supply of RATs is steady and RATs become an important part of the running of the society. However, not all people can get RATs free.
Aged care facilities, medical professionals, school teachers and students can get the supply of RATs free. However, most businesses operators need to source them for their workers and the cost became a big burden to small businesses owners.
It is time for the federal government to consider making all the RATs free to all.
With the coming federal election probably in May, our leaders need to demonstrate their vision and reliability so that they can be trusted to lead. Just claiming that RATs is not the responsibility of the federal government does not demonstrate the commitment to lead Australians out from Covid. Prime Minister Scott Morrison need to show Australians that he is willing to help people to solve problems.
If RATs are seen to be a crucial part of the normal running of the society, it is legitimate for the federal government to supply them to everybody. As this is so important to small businesses and more trust the present government will be developed.
In the UK and many other countries, this is already a well-practised policy and there is no reason for Prime Minister Morrison to insist on supplying them to those essential service operators only.
Regards,
Raymond Chow
Publisher, BlessingCALD