Doherty Institute boss says rapid antigen tests should be free in Australia

Prof Sharon Lewin argues if Coalition is relying on RATs they really have to be widely accessible'

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The head of the influential Doherty Institute, Prof Sharon Lewin, has added her voice to the growing chorus of experts who are calling for rapid Covid tests to be provided free of charge in Australia, as Omicron causes havoc across the country.

A record of nearly 50,000 new Covid cases was reported nationwide on Tuesday as state health systems groaned under the increasing demand and experts warned the peak of infections was likely weeks away.