Rapid antigen tests in low supply - city's had 82 cases in 4 weeks

Murrumbidgee Local Health District's last weekly update was December 20, when 67 new cases across the district were reported.

No LGA-specific data is reported except for a NSW Health figure counting cases within the past four weeks, which puts Albury as having recorded 82 cases in that period.

No venues of concern have been published for Albury and no hospitalisations or deaths have been reported by health officials.

Rapid antigen tests became available in pharmacies and some retail stores last month but there has been a rush on the product in the past fortnight.

Blooms the Chemist in Albury sold out on Christmas Eve and Terry White Chemmart Lavington Square pharmacist Jeff Nelson said his store ran out around the same time.

"There's been a lot of people asking for them via phone or coming in, and we just can't get from at the moment," he said.

"We've got them on order, we just can't get them in.

"There's only a certain amount of suppliers - we're all having the same difficulty."

"It's all very well the politicians saying, 'go and get them', but we still need to be able to source them."

Mr Nelson said many customers were wanting to be cautious after being at exposure sites but demand was compounded by Queensland's move this week to allow entry with a negative RAT result.

"It's a bit of a combination," he said.

"There is a significant amount of anxiety in the community because of the huge numbers, not so much locally but particularly in NSW.

"There's a lot of people visiting the Border and rapid antigen tests give people that peace of mind."

NSW recorded 11,201 new cases today and three deaths, and Victoria recorded 3767 new cases and five deaths.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said in Wagga yesterday that supply of rapid antigen tests was an issue across the state.

"We announced that we will be providing free rapid antigen tests for people right across NSW; we've put an order in already for 20 million rapid antigen tests," he said.

"My expectation is that that will be available by the end of January.

"As we move into 2022, as we're living alongside the virus, taking personal responsibility, rapid antigen tests will be key.

"They're not to be used for circumstances where you're going down to the shops; these tests will be used for people going to high risk settings, going to hospitals, visiting elderly relatives, going clubbing."

Mr Perrottet said testing systems in NSW and Victoria were experiencing pressure due to interstate pre-arrival testing requirements.

"We want that to move to a RAT test ... (the) Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on 1 January, she'll move towards the rapid antigen test," he said.

"If there's any way we can bring that forward, we would appreciate it because it is putting substantial pressure on the system.

"I do want to reiterate that if you are not required to receive a test, if you are not feeling unwell ... there is no reason to be lining up for a PCR test."

Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley said his state was in a "cross-over" period with Delta and Omicron variants both circulating.

Mr Foley said Victoria would also be providing RATs for free amid an "international supply issue".

"If there are going to be New Year's Eve parties and events, (look to) have them outside, to be fully ventilated," he said.

"We are moving into an environment where a third dose is so important to protect you from illness.

"As of the 4^th of January ... the interval from five months to four months after your second vaccination will kick in and we will see an extra million Victorians come online and be able to receive vaccinations."

AWH advised on Thursday it was experiencing "extremely high demand" at the Wodonga vaccination hub.

"There are significant wait times for those without an appointment," AWH said.

"It is fantastic to see people coming forward to receive their booster shots, but please be understanding of our staff.

"If you have an appointment, our staff will try and process you accordingly.

"If you haven't got an appointment, we encourage you to avoid first thing in the morning, when demand is highest."

The hub will be open 8.30am to 4pm today, tomorrow and Friday, closing over the weekend and reopening on January 4. We close from midday to 12.45pm each day.

Albury Wodonga Health's Lakeside testing clinic is open until 3pm, however the Smythe St clinic is closed until January 4.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Laverty Pathology drive-through clinic at Lavington Showgrounds will also be open until 1pm each day until New Year's Day.

The Albury Showgrounds clinic run by Douglass Hanly Moir is open during the same hours (8am to 1pm).

The Dorevitch Pathology Lavington Hall clinic is open 9am to 2pm.