*** Due to the finite RATs available and the large number of applications from community service organisations, applications to the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Interim Stockpile for Community Service Organisations closed at 5pm, Friday 28 January 2022 and is no longer taking new applications. ***
Purpose & Overview
Community service organisations are invited to apply to the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Interim Stockpile for Community Service Organisations by filling out the online form below.
13,000 RATs will be made available to community service organisations as an interim supply while supply chain issues are resolved. The cost of these interim supplies will be covered by Tasmanian Government.
The purpose of providing RATs in this fund is to protect the workforce (paid and volunteer) in the short term while RAT supplies stabilise, to ensure organisations can deliver essential community services in line with their COVID-19 Safety Plans.
At this stage, Public Health does not recommend routine testing or screening for staff in community services. Individuals with symptoms are also now able to access RATs through the COVID-19 Hotline by calling 1800 671 738 or registering via the online request form.
This supply is for workplaces with a particular focus on vulnerable settings or populations who are at higher risk in the event of exposure to COVID-19.
Caps on the number of RATs per organisation apply, based on type of services delivered and size of organisation. A guide is as follows:
- Small organisations (less than 30 staff) = maximum of 40 RATs
- Medium organisations (between 30 and 100 staff) = maximum of 80 RATs
- Large organisations (more than 100 staff) = maximum of 160 RATs
Four distribution hubs are being set up across the state by Red Cross and St John Ambulance. Organisations will be asked to identify their preferred collection point for the RATs as part of the application process. If successful, organisations will be able to collect the allocated supplies of RATs at nominated times. For organisations based remotely and unable to collect supplies from a distribution hub, alternative access options may be considered.
The RAT Interim Stockpile for Community Service Organisations is administered by TasCOSS in partnership with Red Cross and St John Ambulance on behalf of the Tasmanian Government. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email covid19@tascoss.org.au.
Application Process
TasCOSS will manage a simple and streamlined process to ensure RATs are released to organisations in a timely manner. Organisations are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible as applications will be assessed as they are received. You can submit your application by filling out the online form below.
TasCOSS will inform applicants of the outcome within five (5) business days. Successful applicants may receive full or partial allocations of RATs and will be notified by email.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email covid19@tascoss.org.au.
Eligibility and Assessment Criteria
Eligibility
- Organisations must be legal entities, registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner (ACNC), based in Tasmania delivering community services to Tasmanians in vulnerable circumstances.
Assessment Criteria
TasCOSS will use the following criteria to assess RAT Interim Stockpile for Community Service Organisations applications.
- Outline of services delivered and how the requested RATs will be used to protect the workforce (paid and volunteer) to deliver essential community services in line with their COVID-19 Safety Plan.
- Indication of size of workforce (paid and volunteer) and demonstrated need.