It is safe to say that Australians are in a RAT race at the moment, with one in four people requiring to test for COVID-19.
As Rapid Antigen Tests have become the most sought-after commodity or necessity in the country the prices are taking an unfathomable hike, at the same time PCR testing facilities reach maximum capacity.
What used to cost $5 to $10 just over a month ago has hit $20 and $30 at least, for the most lucky.
Retailers are selling RATs online even at the ridiculous price of $50 per single test while in Europe they cost as little as $1 or $2 dollars.
On eBay, one of the nation’s biggest online retailers had two listings for kits in the form of a bid, starting off at $150 and $200.
Meanwhile, Kogan, didn’t have a single rapid test available, Amazon and Harvey Norman were sold out. Prior to selling out tests had been marked up to $44 each.
This comes as fifty-four COVID-19 testing sites across Victoria shut to deal with a very long backlog of tests amid overwhelming demand. The list includes 4Cyte Pathology, ACL, Melbourne Pathology and Dorevitch Pathology.
“I’m afraid that today four of our private sector laboratory partners have confirmed they are closing, temporarily suspending a number of their testing centres,” Victorian Covid commander Jeroen Weimar told the press.
NSW is in a similar situation with 30 testing sites unable to manage demand and processing.
