The big changes to Covid testing that will impact EVERY Australian

Australians will no longer have to wait several days before receiving Covid test results as testing centres switch from PCR tests to rapid antigen tests.

The change from PCR to rapid antigen tests (RATs) will take effective in coming weeks in an effort to return results faster and alleviate pressure on facilities. 

RAT tests can tell a person whether they are positive or negative to Covid within 10 to 20 minutes. 

The current surge in cases has seen testing facilities under immense pressure as some people waited up to six days before receiving their result. 

RATs will be handed out at testing centres to be done at home and people will only need to undergo a PCR test if they return a positive result on a RAT test.

The news came following the announcement that National Cabinet has changed the definition of a close contact.

Now only people that have spent 4 hours in a household-like setting with a positive case will be considered close contacts.

The new definition will come into effect in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and ACT from midnight tonight.