Cautious welcome for rapid antigen tests to control Sydney Covid outbreak, despite reliability concerns

Premier indicates rapid tests may be used by year 12 students returning to school as well as some businesses

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Reviews of rapid Covid-19 tests in Australia have found markedly different results in their effectiveness, but experts say the New South Wales government's decision to employ them in schools and essential workplaces will help to control the virus.

As NSW recorded 177 cases of Covid-19 and extended its lockdown for another four weeks on Wednesday, the premier, Gladys Berejiklian, indicated that rapid antigen testing was likely to be used in schools by the middle of August to allow year 12 students to begin returning to classrooms before end-of-year exams.