McArthur: Scale back testing
WESTERN Victorian MP Bev McArthur has called for the state’s Covid-19 testing scheme to be scaled back amid a shortage of rapid antigen tests.
Officials have questioned the idea, saying testing is used to help ensure the state’s hospitals can cope with the number of Covid positive cases.
But Deakin University epidemiology chairwoman Catherine Bennett said tests could be being used “more judiciously”.
Following concerns about the scarcity of RATs in Geelong, Mrs McArthur said changes needed to be made.
“Some PCR testing sites are also offering RATs to resolve long queues,” she said.
“Either way, we are going to have to give up on testing.
“Right now – perspective, calm and common sense are required in bigger proportions than any RAT or PCR tests.”
She said the virus should be treated similarly to the flu.
“We don’t test ourselves for the flu – the same attitude needs to apply to Covid-19,” she said.
“If you are really sick, you stay home and don’t infect others, especially vulnerable members of your family or the wider community.
“The testing regimen, and its isolation implications, have put an extraordinary and unnecessary hurdle into everyday life that is stopping basic activities happening, and business from proceeding.”
However, Professor Bennett said testing was an important tool to diagnose illness, to screen for infections to protect others and to monitor infection rates to assess the threat of hospital impact and the effectiveness of current public health settings.
“An important part of the transition to more sustainable control measures is to establish clear and more restricted guidance on testing protocols,” she said.
She said PCR testing should be prioritised for diagnosis as knowing the variant causing an infection would inform treatment options in those at risk of serious illness, while RATs should be prioritised for vulnerable people or their close contacts.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the state government was following advice agreed by national cabinet.
“In December last year – when the Omicron wave had reached the country, Matthew Guy was telling Victorians to remove their masks ‘like NSW’,” Ms Couzens said.
“Now we have the Liberals telling us we shouldn’t test people with Covid – when it comes to this pandemic we will follow our national agreement on testing and take the best health advice, not that of the Victorian Liberals.”