‘Panic Buying’ Blamed for Aussie Shortage of Rapid Antigen Test

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison holds up a face mask as he speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 22, 2021. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rebuffed growing calls to make rapid antigen tests free for everyone, despite shortages of the tests.

As COVID-19 cases linked to the Omicron variant explode across the country, state and territory testing clinics have come under increasing pressure, leading to a growing push for rapid antigen tests.