Aviassist in the media: Why it makes sense for drones to be delivering rapid antigen tests so potentially COVID infected people don’t need to go out in public

As originally appeared on 7 News on the 21st of January, 2022.

Why it makes sense for drones to be delivering rapid antigen tests so potentially COVID infected people don’t need to go out in public.

It may be a hypothetical amid shortages of RATs, but once the sought-after kits are available again, a NSW drone trainer says flying them to potential COVID patients would prevent the need for them to leave the home while infectious.

Founder of Newcastle-based drone training company Aviassist Ross Anderson says the little flying machines could deliver RATs straight to residents’ front doors.

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“It makes sense, doesn’t it?” Mr Anderson said.

“RATs are small and lightweight, could easily be transported using drones and would mitigate the problem of people, who might have COVID, passing it on to others.

“Drone delivery services are already operating so let’s use the concept and technology for a greater good.

File image of a drone delivering a package.
File image of a drone delivering a package. Credit: Thana Prasongsin/Getty Images

“Stocking (RATs) on shelves is great but that still requires people to leave their homes when they probably should be isolating to get them.

“Drones could drop them at their front door, fly away and have no human contact – like every other product that’s already being delivered by drones.”

In the US, drone company Flirtey has been delivering RATs using drones during the pandemic.

Health experts across Australia have long said RATs should only be used as surveillance tools for COVID.

Demand for scarce RAT kits has sparked an AFP crackdown. File image.
Demand for scarce RAT kits has sparked an AFP crackdown. File image. Credit: AAP

But after testing requirements changed, and people are no longer required to have a PCR test, the demand for RATs has significantly increased.

The kits are available in scarce supply, which has lead to some retailers charging exorbitant amounts for the tests.

The AFP’s Taskforce LOTUS, which was established last year in response to potential criminal threats to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, will lead the investigations into price gouging of RATs in Australia.

Individuals and businesses are being warned they could face five years in prison or a $66,000 fine if they are caught re-selling COVID-19 tests for more than 20 per cent of the original retail purchase price.

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