Rapid COVID-19 tests should be rolled out in high risk settings, but not in the general community, experts say With the country grappling multiple outbreaks, and some people facing long queues to get tested, should we be rolling out rapid COVID tests across the community? 2 July 2021 Most Australians are now familiar with the uncomfortable nose tickle and nervous one-to-two-day wait associated with polymerase chain reaction tests for COVID-19. But some health experts say Australia is missing a key tool in its COVID-19 testing arsenal: rapid antigen tests, and are calling for them to be rolled out in high-risk settings. "They're absolutely perfect for repeat testing in high-risk groups such as returned travellers and quarantine staff," said Mary-Louise McLaws, an epidemiologist at UNSW and advisor to the World Health Organization.