Blooms The Chemist, is offering a drive-through rapid antigen testing facility for all local businesses operating within Sydney’s Randwick LGA.
Located on Level B2 of the Belmore Road Royal Randwick Shopping Centre car park, the facility is a convenient and fast service for small businesses in the local community to get staff tested using rapid antigen tests.
“We’re very mindful that small businesses have been doing it tough these past few months,” says Rohit Uppal, Pharmacist, Blooms The Chemist Royal Randwick. “The rapid antigen tests can bring immediate peace of mind for business owners, especially those re-opening, to have confidence that their team will be safe at work regardless of their vaccination status.
“This risk of further business disruption with positive staff cases is something every small business wants to avoid,” Mr Uppal continues. “These rapid antigen tests meet the urgent need for accurate, reliable and early detection of Covid-19, providing an important tool to ensure staff members have not contracted the virus. Capturing those instances early may mean a business can remain open, which is critical.”
Blooms The Chemist Royal Randwick has partnered with Pharma Soul, the wholesaler providing the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) approved TESTSEALABS Covid-19 Antigen Test Cassette.
The tests will be performed by health professionals in accordance with TGA guidance, and continues the pharmacy’s support to fight Covid-19.
Stephanie Golman from Pharma Soul says that community pharmacies, like Blooms The Chemist, are essential local health providers playing a critical role as part of Australia’s healthcare system.
“We’re proud to be supporting this unique initiative by Blooms The Chemist team in Royal Randwick in delivering this essential service to local small businesses. Rapid antigen tests will play a critical role as an additional protection for Australians who are set to get back to normal life and another defence in our fight against the spread of Covid-19. We’re confident this drive-through will be a huge success that can then be replicated elsewhere. Pharmacists are such a trusted part of so many local communities, and we’re delighted to be helping them make rapid antigen tests available and keep people safe,” says Ms Golman.
Booking Process
Operating from 6.30 – 9.30am, Monday-Saturday, small business owners in the Eastern Suburbs can call Blooms The Chemist Royal Randwick or register online. The cost of the rapid antigen tests is tax deductible. Once booked, it’s a very quick process for the drive-through testing:
- Employees of registered businesses turn up in their car or in person and will be checked in by a Covid-19 marshal.
- A registered nurse will conduct the rapid antigen test, after which they move into a designated waiting bay for 15 minutes.
- They will be presented their result and supplied with a physical test result card to show their employer (this will be replaced by a digital platform in the coming weeks).
- It’s recommended that employees be tested two to three times a week.
- In the event of a positive test, the person will be directed to a Covid-19 testing centre for a PCR screening, and Blooms The Chemist will notify the employer.
“The role community Pharmacists play as healthcare professionals on the frontline is more vital than ever,” says Blooms The Chemist CEO-elect, Emmanuel Vavoulas. “We’re committed to continuing our long-standing efforts in the provision of essential healthcare services to protect people in our local communities and delighted to roll out the first rapid antigen test drive-through in Randwick.”
