COVID-19 testing update

31 July 2020

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as cold or flu symptoms, contact Healthline (0800 358 5453) or your doctor to find out if you need a test.

If you’re offered a test for COVID-19, please take it. It will help us ensure we don’t have community transmission, and help keep your friends, family and whānau safe. A COVID-19 test is free of charge.

Right now, the only actual cases of COVID-19 are those arriving from overseas in managed isolation or quarantine facilities. That’s why our highest priority for testing is those with COVID-19 symptoms and who have:

travelled overseas
come into contact with those who have recently arrived from overseas

If you’re in these categories, you’ll be asked to self-isolate while waiting for your test result.

We’re continuing to test people presenting to health care services with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 to make sure we have no outbreaks in our communities.

We particularly encourage you to be tested if you develop symptoms and you are a health care worker, aged care worker, or if you would have a greater risk of poor health outcomes if you were to get COVID-19. This includes if you are Māori, Pasifika, older than 70 years, or have certain pre-existing health conditions. If you are in these groups, you do not need to self-isolate while you wait for your test results, but you should stay home while you are unwell.

If you’re unsure call Healthline (0800 358 5453) or your doctor for advice.

Last updated: Friday, July 31, 2020