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Most PCR tests for COVID-19 will be restricted to people who get a medical referral from next year, as the government changes its approach to testing.
- The government is limiting access to free COVID-19 PCR tests and recommending most people use rapid antigen tests
- The chief medical officer expects new waves of COVID-19 for at least two years
- $2.9 billion has been spent to extend some services, but mental health appointments have been cut
In an update to the national COVID-19 approach for the year ahead, the government says tests will shift from being a surveillance tool to one used for ensuring "quick access" to antiviral treatments.
From the start of next year, Medicare-funded PCR tests will require a referral from a medical or nurse practitioner, with the government advising there is no need for low-risk individuals to seek PCR testing.
Instead, PCR tests will be reserved for those most at risk, including older Australians, First Nations people, people with a disability, people in remote communities and people with underlying health conditions.
People who live or work with high-risk people are recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RAT), and consult their GP about getting a PCR test if their symptoms persist following a negative RAT.
Chief medical officer Paul Kelly said the pandemic would continue to "throw up new challenges", including the likely emergence of new variants, including those able to partially evade immune responses.
Professor Kelly said Australians should expect new regular waves of COVID-19 for at least the next two years, though their severity might be milder.
In its update, the government said it would continue to secure new vaccines that provided greater protection against COVID-19 variants, as well as potentially protected against other viruses such as influenza.
An additional $2.9 billion has been invested into special COVID-19 measures for 2023, including standard funding for coronavirus admissions to hospital, and the extension of some services such as GP respiratory clinics.
"The vast bulk of them will continue to operate throughout the remainder of summer, and from the first of March will be put on to a retainer arrangement where that can be agreed so that they're able to scale up in the event of future waves," Health Minister Mark Butler said.
However, the government has decided not to extend access to the 10 additional subsidised psychology appointments that were funded to the end of this year.