Warning over ‘very faint’ rapid antigen test result

The anonymous man, who runs the Facebook page Covid Pete, posted a photograph online showing his RAT result.

“Thought I’d share my original rat test with you all,” he wrote to more than 189,000 people who follow the page.

“When I started having symptoms and others, who were around me, starting testing positive with their RAT test, I decided to do mine.

“As you can see, the second line of mine is very faint. You must take that second faint line as a positive test.

“It was confirmed a few days later that I was positive via PCR.

“So, if you see the faintest of lines, please be aware and cautious of your surroundings.”

The post has attracted thousands of reactions, including one person who wrote: “I had the opposite. I had a faint line and mine came back negative. I’m very lucky. But best to be safe.”

Another person commented: “My partner had three RAT tests all negative then had PCR positive.”

National cabinet will meet later on Wednesday to discuss making rapid antigen tests affordable.

It is understood Prime Minister Scott Morrison will propose direct cash handouts for concessional and low income earners.

They will get up to five rapid antigen tests, paid through the same mechanism as the Covid disaster payment.

NCA NewsWire also understands Mr Morrison will offer additional tests to state-run testing clinics to hand out for free to people suffering symptoms or who are deemed close contacts.

It comes as demand has skyrocketed for rapid antigen tests, with many pharmacies and supermarkets selling out.

Mr Morrison previously said he would not make the tests free to avoid undercutting the private market – a move that sparked backlash on social media.

Originally published as Victorian man warns people to double-check their rapid antigen tests after his positive result was ‘very faint’