Katherine pharmacies sold out of rapid antigen tests

Both Pharmasave Katherine Pharmacy and Territory Pharmacy Terrace are completely out of stock of rapid antigen tests (RATs), with stock not expected to be replenished until the end of the month.

Pharmasave Manager Rebecca Paine said there had been colossal demand for the tests.

"We've sold out and they're unavailable from the supplier, they're unavailable until the 30^th of January," she said.

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She said they are having to turn away "probably every second customer" since running out of stock.

[A lot of people] are travellers and needing to get them done, they are all saying that they have to take the test," she said.

"I've just been telling everyone to get the PCR done."

"There's not a lot we can do about it because we can't get them, I believe that's Australia wide."

"I've looked up suppliers all over Australia and there's just none."

Ms Paine said there was also confusion among customers about whether or not RATs were available for those who need them at Katherine's vaccine and pandemic clinics.

"I have sent somebody there and they have come back saying it's not true," she said.

The NT Health Department has been contacted for comment.

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