Coalition won’t budge on free rapid Covid tests for all but concession card-holders are covered

More than 6 million people with a concession card will be given 10 free rapid antigen tests over the next three months as Australia reports 64,000 cases

• Follow our Covid live blog for the latest updates
• What are the new rules on Covid isolation, close contacts and testing?
• Vaccine rollout tracker; cases and data tracker
• Download the free Guardian app; get our morning email briefing

Up to 10 rapid antigen tests will be offered free to more than 6 million concession card-holders under a new national cabinet agreement but everyone else who is not a close contact of a case and symptomatic will still have to pay.

State and territory leaders met on Wednesday to consider how to overcome the national testing crisis which has seen pathology services overwhelmed, rapid tests in short supply, and price gouging by some retailers.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning