More RAT Stock to Come in February When Omicron Cases Already Peaked

In this photo illustration a man uses a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit at home in Sydney, Australia, on Sept. 29, 2021. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Pharmacists are reporting that while more rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be coming next week, the “real jump” in supply is not expected until February after COVID-19 hospitalisations are estimated to have already reached their highest level.

Australia’s biggest pharmacy distributor, Sigma Healthcare Sigma told The Epoch Times on Jan. 17 it was currently transporting rapid tests, which can detect COVID-19 within 20 minutes, to its stores as demand for RATs soared.