The virus is doing the rounds, however, the days of lining up for hours on end to get a Covid test will soon be a thing of the past.
The Ministry of Health has launched a new website called Request RATs.
The platform will enable household contacts of a positive Covid-19 case, or anyone who is displaying Covid 19 symptoms to order RAT tests online, and then collect the test kit from any of the 146 pick-up sites nationwide.
It’s also been confirmed that RATs will still be available for eligible individuals who haven’t completed the online order form, these will be available via Community Testing Centres.
GP’s will also use RATs as part of clinical consultation, however, they will not distribute tests to the general public.
Jo Pugh, Acting Group Manager of COVID-19 Testing and Supply said, ‘the website contains features to prevent people from ordering too many RATs to ensure that everyone who needs one can get one. These include order limits by address and phone number.’
‘Increased use of RATs will ease some of the pressure on our laboratories over the next three to six weeks, while helping to ensure critical services and supply chains remain operational, our most vulnerable communities are protected, and our economy keeps moving.’
Rapid Antigen Tests are now available for purchase at the likes of Chemist Warehouse, Countdown, and The Warehouse. Some retailers have made the decision to sell these tests at cost.
You can order tests online at requestrats.covid19.health.nz or by calling 0800 222 478 between 8am to 8pm. (Select option 3)
