Changes are being made to the way in which people test for COVID-19 using rapid test kits.

In a letter sent to schools in the K-12 system, the Department of Health and Community Services is recommending two changes to existing testing protocols. Instead of just swabbing the inside of your nose, people are now being asked to swab their throat, cheeks and nose.

The Department says rapid tests can more reliably detect infectious cases of the Omicron variant using a combined oral-nasal sample because the viral load peaks first in the throat and then the nose.

The Department also says that people do not need to test for COVID-19 if they have recently tested positive for the virus.

More rapid tests have been sent out to families through students in the K-12 system over the last day or two. Families are being encouraged to share extra tests with others who may require testing.