Tuesday 1 March is the last day Victorians will be able to receive a payment whilst awaiting the results of a PCR Covid-19 test.
The $450 payment has been available for those who were unable to work whilst awaiting the results of a PCR test, which was particularly important during the peak of the Omicron wave where results could take days at a time to arrive and rapid antigen tests were in short supply.
Since the program opened, more than 1.2 million payments have been approved – worth over $545 million.
However, with the increased availability of RAT tests, reduced restrictions for close contacts of Covid-19 cases and decreased case numbers and demand for PCR tests meaning that results have returned to their quicker, normal response time, the payment is no longer necessary.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula announced the change today and said long wait times for results were no longer an issue.
“The recommended testing method has changed with Rapid Antigen Tests providing results within minutes and eliminating the need to miss work while waiting for test results,” he said.
“The payment was an important emergency support for many workers during the height of the pandemic, but as we enter a new phase of managing COVID-19 it’s no longer necessary.”
Claims submitted before 9am on Wednesday 9 March will be assessed. Applicants must have taken a PCR test on or before Tuesday 1 March to be eligible to apply.
The distribution of free RAT tests to testing centres, schools and early childcare facilities, and critical workforces such as health services, aged care, and food supply has also helped ensure early detection of Covid-19 in key sectors.
The Victorian government is still offering support like food relief for those who are financially impacted by COVID-19, and the Commonwealth Government’s Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is also available for people who have to self-isolate, quarantine, or need to care for someone who has to self-isolate or quarantine.
Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for more information.
