NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that people who do not log their positive rapid test results on the Service NSW app will now be fined $1000. Here’s how you can log yours.
There’s been a lot of changes to COVID testing rules in the past week, but one of the most notable adjustments is Victoria and NSW’s introduction of a system to log positive rapid antigen tests, so the results are still included in the state’s COVID tally.
Now, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that people who don’t comply with this mandate in NSW will be fined — though how this will even be enforced remains unclear.
BREAKING @Dom_Perrottet announces $1000 fine for those who do not log positive RAT tests on @ServiceNSW app. @9NewsSyd
— Kate Creedon (@KateCreedon9) January 11, 2022
Anyone who tested positive on a rapid antigen test from January 1 onwards has until January 19 to log their COVID positive result, but after that the grace period will be over and those that fail to log their result will be fined.
How do I log my positive rapid test on the Service NSW app?
Positive RAT results can be recorded in the “COVID-19 Resources” section of the Service NSW app. For those of you in Victoria, the relevant web portal to log your test online is here.
Back to Service NSW. Once you see the resources tab on the home page, click on it, scroll down past the daily update, and you’ll see a link that says “register a positive test result”. When you click it, you’ll be taken to a webpage where you can report your results, either through your MyServiceNSW account or as a guest.
“For those people that don’t have a Service NSW app, you can also go to the Service NSW website, and access the form there,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.
“Alternatively, you can go and call Service NSW and they will provide assistance.”
If you’re not a NSW resident but are staying in the state, you should still register your result as a guest.
Just FYI: the app will ask you certain questions to determine whether you are considered a “high risk” or “low risk” patient so it knows how to help you.
“Over 99.99 per cent of people, they will be in that low-risk setting, and will be able to resolve COVID at home simply by resting and going through the requisite isolation,” Dominello said.
“Those at higher risk, you will get a call or be contacted by NSW Health within 48 hours, and with a further survey, to make sure that you are okay.”
How is NSW going to police unlogged tests?
So far, NSW Premier Dom Perrottet is yet to reveal exactly how people will be fined for unlogged positive RATs, considering there isn’t exactly a way to track results that aren’t voluntarily submitted.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, NSW’s health department was in talks with the Crown Solicitor’s Office to figure out how to legally enforce logging rapid tests.
“There has been much discussion regarding the possibility of mandatory enforcement and the health lawyers are consulting with Crown Solicitor’s to look at what may be possible,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told SMH.
“It comes with the added benefit that it might also open the door to federal financial assistance if you’re off work for the week. The bottom line is it is a must-do, even if there is no fine.
“At the end of the day, it’s an obligation on all of us to make sure that we log in to the Service NSW app, particularly as it will give a clear picture of how the virus is moving through the community.”
So… maybe they aren’t sure yet either? We’ll have to wait and see.
