Just days after a state government-run rapid antigen test (RAT) collection site opened in the Riverland at Glossop, a South Australian welfare lobby group says supplies for the general population remain a concern.
Located at the Old Glossop High School, close contacts can retrieve two free RATs to self administer on days one and six of isolation, but others who want to find a rapid at-home test face a supply shortage.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia SA branch president Nick Panayiaris said the situation was "very frustrating".
Earlier this month, national cabinet agreed to provide up to 10 free RATs over three months through pharmacies for people with concessions such as pensioners and veterans.
Mr Panayiaris warned people should manage their expectations.
"That's if we can actually source them," he said.
"Most pharmacies will probably only have at best intermittent stock over the next two weeks.
Despite the program being rolled out federally, the responsibility of supplying the tests is on the pharmacies.
Mr Panayiaris says pharmacies are trying to procure tests for both those who are eligible for free supplies and also the general public.
Lack of access for most vulnerable
Despite the close contact pick-up location at Old Glossop High School opening, the SA Council for Social Services says barriers still exist for those who might need a test.
While the pick-up site is central to the large Riverland towns, the drive-through collection system is not accessible to people without transport.
The council's chief executive Ross Womersley said the system's organisation and supply of RATs was a big issue.
"One of the things that is obvious is that we don't have enough supply in the country," Mr Womersley said.
"In places like the UK, one of the ways that they dealt with this transition to the use of RATs was they actually provided for every household a free set, and in many instances, those test kits were delivered directly to the households.
"But what we haven't had here is the supply to enable that to happen, which would have dealt with the issue of people who can't drive or people who can't afford to buy their own."
