Key Points
- Health Minister calls COVIDsafe app ''wasteful and ineffective''
- ACT concession card holders can access free RATs at their local library
- Victoria expands eligibility criteria for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine
- Western Australia announces 20 free RATs for every household
On Tuesday, Australia reported at least 124 COVID-19 deaths, including 52 in Victoria, 35 in Queensland and 30 in New South Wales.
The Victoria government said of the 52 deaths, 40 occurred in the past week, and 10 took place in the past fortnight.
Health Minister Mark Butler said they have scrapped the "wasteful and ineffective" COVIDSafe app launched in April 2020.
He said the previous government spent $21 million on the app that identified only two positive cases and 17 close contacts.
From 15 August, every Western Australian household can collect 20 free RATs from existing drive-through collection points, COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the metropolitan area and COVID-19 testing clinics in regional areas.
Victoria has expanded the eligibility criteria for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
Residents between 50 and 65 years living or working in the Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Indigo and Wodonga local government areas can access free vaccines from select GPs and some COVID-19 vaccination hubs.
Concession card holders in the Australian Capital Territory can now get up to three free RATs at their local library.
However, those with COVID-19 symptoms should collect their RAT from Garran Surge Centre or get a PCR test.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed an "easy-to-use" test that detects the level of COVID-19 immunity from vaccination, infection, or a combination of the two.
The test is yet to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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