Published on 16/01/2022 by Any Business.Com.Au

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests for Business Owners

Many businesses have implemented rapid antigen testing programs into their business operations where employees take COVID-19 self-tests at home and present evidence of a negative test result before entering the workplace.

If you would like to implement a rapid antigen testing program into your operations, it's important to understand your legal responsibilities. Before you begin, you should consider:

  • How you will verify the rapid antigen test results.
  • What type of test suits your business.
  • Where you will purchase your rapid antigen tests.
  • How you will document, report and store the testing results.

We recommend that you speak to a legal or business professional for advice to help you decide if it's the best thing for your business.

Where to buy rapid antigen tests

  • Point-of-care tests - Business owners can purchase PoC tests by contacting test suppliers (sponsors) directly. There is a list of approved sellers on the TGA website.
  • Self-tests - From 1 November, self-tests have been available online or in chemists and supermarkets although widespread shortages have been well documented.
  • You can find a list of approved products on the TGA website.

Scams

It' s important to be aware of scams and misleading conduct in order to protect yourself when purchasing rapid antigen tests. Here are some tips to help keep you safe from testing scams:

  • Make sure that you are purchasing rapid antigen tests from a trusted and legitimate business that can validate the standard of the tests.
  • When purchasing from an online store, look for a URL that starts with "https" and a closed padlock symbol to show that information transmitted on that site is secure.
  • Avoid paying up-front, via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card, or electronic currency like Bitcoin.
  • Carefully check the messaging from your regular suppliers, as scammers may pretend to be a business you usually deal with. Verify any requests to change any payment arrangements by calling them on a known and trusted number.
  • Get quotes from more than one supplier to help you work out the best price.
  • Keep records of rapid antigen test delivery, specifications and user instructions.

Your privacy obligations for rapid antigen testing

The Australian privacy legislation has specific clauses relating to medical and health information. If you're considering PoC testing, it is important you know your legal requirements relating to data collection and relevant use of private health data.

Benefits of Rapid Antigen Testing

  • Easy and safe to use.
  • Relatively low cost.
  • Return results within minutes.
  • Frequent rapid antigen testing (2-3 times a week) can identify COVID-19 infections in people who do not have symptoms which can stop transmission and prevent large outbreaks.
  • Minimise the amount of time you or your employees need to be away from your business to get precautionary standard (PCR) testing.
  • May boost employee confidence in returning to in-person work.

Accuracy of rapid antigen testing

Rapid antigen tests will detect most cases of COVID-19 but are not as accurate as the standard (PCR) test.

Rapid antigen tests are most reliable when used by someone who has symptoms of COVID-19- external site - external site - external site or when used frequently, for example 2-3 times a week.

If you test positive to COVID-19 from a rapid antigen test you should follow the health directions in your state or territory.

Rapid antigen testing as part of your COVID-19 emergency management

Rapid antigen tests are one way of monitoring and protecting your business against COVID-19, but it should not replace other measures such as hand sanitisers, masks and social distancing.

If you plan on introducing a rapid antigen testing program into your business, you should consider how it will fit with your overall COVID-19 emergency management plan.

If you business sells rapid antigen test kits - including GST

If you are selling rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits, you need to include GST in the price of these kits. This is because rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits are not a 'medical aid or appliance' that is listed in either Schedule 3 to the GST Act or the GST Regulations, so they're not GST-free.

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AnyBusiness.com.au

Curtis is a leading expert in the business-for-sale industry, serving as a senior content creator at anybusiness.com.au.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Curtis has accumulated extensive knowledge in the domain of business sales, acquisitions, and valuations. His deep understanding of market dynamics and his ability to translate complex industry jargon into accessible insights make him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to buy or sell businesses.

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