But only because they let us move from the blunt instrument of citywide lockdowns to a combination of other, more targeted and inter-locking public health measures. Morrison’s myriad arguments against free rapid tests range from the hypocritical to the obscene. Morrison’s position on rapid tests is ultimately a false economy because mass-testing saves money in the long run. Put another way, for every rapid test that displaces a PCR test, taxpayers would save at least $70. Australia’s world-leading response to HIV/Aids also hinged on providing vulnerable groups with free testing, treatment, condoms and clean needles.

Source: The Guardian January 06, 2022 05:14 UTC