The state government, however, said rapid testing was being trialled, and could play a role in Victoria's fight against COVID-19.
Ms Ryan said securing supplies of rapid antigen tests was urgent and would allow the state to reopen and return to some kind of normality.
“The Federal Government anticipates that rapid antigen tests will soon be approved for widespread use in the community, as is the case in other countries where you can buy the tests on pharmacy shelves,” Ms Ryan said.
“Both the NSW and federal governments are ordering supplies of rapid antigen tests.
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“I am baffled as to why the Andrews Government has not done the same to ensure we can reopen as quickly as possible.
“Daniel Andrews risks leaving Victoria lagging behind other states by failing to secure rapid testing kits.”
Ms Ryan said there were many settings where rapid testing could be used to help life return to normal. “Our spring shows have been cancelled for a second year, music festivals and major events have been cancelled,” she said.
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“Our pubs remain shuttered up, most of our kids are still locked out of the classroom and families are barred from seeing each other.”
Ms Ryan said NSW had rolled out rapid testing to residential aged-care facilities across Sydney.
“Rapid testing has been in place in Sydney’s aged-care system since the middle of August to increase screening of aged-care residents and visitors.
“Regular use of these tests, which can be used on a daily basis by people working in high risk settings, helps detect asymptomatic transmission and outbreaks.
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“The Andrews Government seems to have an ideological opposition to rapid testing, repeatedly talking down the technology despite it being widely backed by epidemiologists.
“We should be using every measure available to allow communities to get back to normal, to allow loved ones to see each other and to get kids back to school.”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said Rapid Antigen Testing was one option it was looking at.
“We know rapid antigen testing is not as accurate as clinically-backed PCR tests,” the spokesperson said.
“But we are currently trialling them in certain settings, such as healthcare.
“As cases rise, these tests may play a further role in our testing programs - but we’ll be guided by the experts.”
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