Rapid Antigen Test rollout update

Rapid Antigen Test rollout update

0 개 1,135 노영례
More than 3 million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) have been distributed across New Zealand for workers who keep New Zealand’s critical services and supply chains moving, and those in our community most at risk from the effects of COVID-19, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says.

The deliveries follow the opening of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme and the move to Phase 2 of the Omicron response strategy.

Dr Bloomfield says the RATs have been sent to sites including District Health Boards, Healthcare and Emergency Service workforces, testing facilities, GP clinics, aged care facilities and community health providers.

‘The Ministry has also provided RATs directly to organisations, including businesses that are currently affected by outbreaks, to make it easier to test their workers who are contacts and keep their organisations running.

‘Although there are still significant global supply constraints, we have secured the delivery of enough RATs to help New Zealand through a widespread Omicron outbreak in the coming months.

‘There are currently 7.3 million RATs in the system with around 22.5 million expected by the end of the month, including 9.2 million due to arrive by the end of next week.

‘On the first day of the scheme around 200 orders were received and we expect these numbers to go up rapidly which is why we will be scaling up in line with demand.

‘There are collection sites in every DHB around the country, with nearly 100 collection sites ready to go across New Zealand. This number will increase in line with demand as cases rise during the outbreak and more critical workers become close contacts.

‘We are also working with around 1000 community health providers to help those we know experience poorer outcomes, higher death rates and increased health, economic and social inequities from the effects of COVID-19.

‘These providers have demonstrated in previous outbreaks that they can deliver local and regional approaches that help people access testing when they need it.

‘So if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms you should still contact your health provider to get a PCR test, and if you don’t have symptoms then you don’t need to get a test.

‘It’s still important to keep up with the basic healthcare prevention measures – stay home if you’re sick, get a booster if it’s been three months since your second shot, wash your hands, wear your mask, scan in and maintain social distancing where possible,’ Dr Bloomfield says. 

Background questions and answers



Who are getting RATs?

Under the public health response RATs are being prioritised for three groups:

• The Healthcare and Emergency Service Workforce including those who work in District Health Boards, GPs, Pharmacies, Aged Residential Care facilities, Police, Corrections, FENZ and Managed Isolation Quarantine Facilities who have been identified as a close contact and need a test to go to work will be given RATs by their employer. 

• Priority populations, who are at heightened risk when symptomatic, will be able to get a supervised RAT from their GP or community provider, who will record the results.

• Asymptomatic critical workers who are fully vaccinated, have been identified as a close contact and need a test to go to work can get RATs from a collection site as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.

Where do they get them from?

Collection sites are listed on Healthpoint and in many cases are existing facilities.

How many sites are there?

There are nearly 100 RATs collection sites ready to go and more will be added as demand increases due to increasing numbers and spread of cases and close contacts.

At this stage RATs are only available at collection sites for asymptomatic critical workers who are fully vaccinated, have been identified as a close contact and need a test to go to work as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.

What do workers need to provide at a collection site to collect RATs?

Workers must be vaccinated to be eligible for the Close Contact Exemption Scheme, so as well as their vaccine pass, workers will need to show:

• A letter from the Critical Services Register,

• Their critical worker authorisation letter from their employer to prove they are a critical worker in a critical business,

• Personal ID like a Driver’s Licence to prove who they are, and

• The text message confirming they are a close contact and therefore eligible for a test.

Should unwell workers use collection sites?

People should not turn up to a collection site if they are unwell. They should call their health provider or Healthline, and they should still get a PCR test.

Can an employer collect RATs on behalf of their workers?

Yes, they just need to provide the above information.

What happens if a site gets multiple close contacts as a result of a case?

In some cases, there may be large number of contacts at a specific work site/location.

The local DHB and Public Health Unit will work with the site to supply a quantity of RATs directly to the business.

9,843 community cases; 421 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 961 | 2022.05.17
Today we are reporting 9,843 community cases, 421 hospitalisations and eight deaths. The seven-day rolling average of community case numbers today is … 더보기

Auckland woman jailed after fraudulently obta…

댓글 0 | 조회 902 | 2022.05.17
A 50-year-old Auckland woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to fraudulently obtaining close to $75,000 in disability fundin… 더보기

7,061 community cases; 415 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 873 | 2022.05.16
Today we are reporting7,061community cases, 415 hospitalisations and 5 deaths.The seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,702– last M… 더보기

5,745 community cases; 384 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 756 | 2022.05.15
Today we are reporting5,745community cases, 384 hospitalisations and 15 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,608– last… 더보기

7,068 community cases; 398 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 745 | 2022.05.14
Today we are reporting7,068community cases, 398 hospitalisations and 18 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,595– l… 더보기

7,441 community cases; 398 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 706 | 2022.05.13
Today we are reporting7,441 community cases, 398 hospitalisations and 29 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,548– … 더보기

Avoid COVID reinfection this winter

댓글 0 | 조회 737 | 2022.05.13
The Ministry has published guidance for health professionals on reinfection from COVID-19.Winter is just around the corner and with it, a risk of catc… 더보기

9,392 community cases; 398 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 846 | 2022.05.12
Today we are reporting 9,392 community cases, 398 hospitalisations and 9 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,533 … 더보기

7,970 community cases; 381 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,009 | 2022.05.11
Today we are reporting 7,970 community cases, 381 hospitalisations and 28 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,420 … 더보기

9,173 community cases; 385 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 843 | 2022.05.10
Today we are reporting 9,173 community cases, 385 hospitalisations and 14 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,927… 더보기

NZ First Home Buyers suffer in market downtur…

댓글 0 | 조회 1,668 | 2022.05.09
The presence of New Zealand first home buyers (FHBs) has fallen sharply this year, losing significantmarket share from the record highs recorded in th… 더보기

6,407 community cases; 368 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,044 | 2022.05.09
Today we are reporting 6,407 community cases, 368 hospitalisations and 2 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,479– … 더보기

5,647 community cases; 350 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 946 | 2022.05.08
Today we are reporting 5,647 community cases, 350 hospitalisations and 3 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,510– … 더보기

6,745 community cases; 339 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 904 | 2022.05.07
Today we are reporting 6,745 community cases, 339 hospitalisations and 12 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,512… 더보기

7,347 community cases; 363 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 837 | 2022.05.06
Today we are reporting7,347community cases, 363 hospitalisations and 24 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,555– l… 더보기

8,609 community cases; 386 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 856 | 2022.05.05
Today we are reporting 8,609 community cases, 386 hospitalisations and 20 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,684… 더보기

8,454 community cases; 481 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,133 | 2022.05.04
Today we are reporting 6,745 community cases, 339 hospitalisations and 12 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,512–… 더보기

Celebrating our firefighters on International…

댓글 0 | 조회 665 | 2022.05.04
Today is International Firefighters’ Day, Whakanuia Ngā Kaipatuahi, a day when people around the world celebrate the mahi of all firefighters, past an… 더보기

Property market weakens further, outlook rema…

댓글 0 | 조회 855 | 2022.05.04
CoreLogic’s House Price Index (HPI), which is the most robust measure of property value change in themarket, shows the NZ property market has weakened… 더보기

9,109 community cases; 481 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 969 | 2022.05.03
Today we are reporting 9,109 community cases, 481 hospitalisations and 20 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,943… 더보기

Changes for ships’ crew entering NZ

댓글 0 | 조회 690 | 2022.05.03
From 11:59pm 2nd May, an amendment order removes the requirement for people currently permitted to arrive via the maritime border to do so without nee… 더보기

6,636 community cases; 480 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 909 | 2022.05.02
Today we are reporting 6,636 community cases, 480 hospitalisations and seven deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of case numbers is7,553 – last M… 더보기

5,656 community cases; 466 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 876 | 2022.05.01
Today we are reporting 5,656 community cases, 466 hospitalisations and six deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of case numbers is7,414 – last Sun… 더보기

7,043 community cases; 468 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,163 | 2022.04.30
Today we are reporting 7,043 community cases, 468 hospitalisations and seven deaths. The seven-day rolling average of case numbers today is 7,415 – a … 더보기

8,242 community cases; 480 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 787 | 2022.04.29
Today we are reporting 8,242 community cases, 480 hospitalisations and 14 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of case numbers is 7,540– a reducti… 더보기

Business Credit Demand down 9.2% during the M…

댓글 0 | 조회 825 | 2022.04.29
Asset Finance growth continues to grow; Trade Credit steady but remains below pre-COVID levelsEquifax NZ Quarterly Business Credit Demand Index: March… 더보기

9,047 community cases; 484 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,075 | 2022.04.28
Today we are reporting 9,047 community cases, 484 hospitalisations and 13 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of case numbers is7,705 – similar t… 더보기

9,830 community cases; 473 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 987 | 2022.04.27
Today we are reporting 9,830 community cases, 473 hospitalisations and 23 deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of case numbers is7,884 – similar t… 더보기

New ‘Quit’ campaign provider announced

댓글 0 | 조회 741 | 2022.04.27
The Ministry of Health has contracted VMLY&R in partnership with Native Voice and Bright Sunday to deliver a multi-platform, multi-year media campaign… 더보기

6,380 community cases; 508 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 849 | 2022.04.26
Today we are reporting 6,380 community cases, 508 hospitalisations and four deaths.Today’s seven-day rolling average of case numbers is8,085 – last Tu… 더보기

5690 community cases; 514 hospitalisations; 1…

댓글 0 | 조회 758 | 2022.04.25
Today we are reporting 5,690 community cases, 514 hospitalisations and 10 deaths.Today’sseven-dayrolling average of cases is 8,355, while the seven-da… 더보기

5662 community cases; 490 hospitalisations; 2…

댓글 0 | 조회 849 | 2022.04.24
Today we are reporting 5,662 community cases, 490 hospitalisations and nine deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average is 8,435, and the seven-day roll… 더보기

Anzac Day Parades & Services 2022 in Auckland

댓글 0 | 조회 1,302 | 2022.04.24
Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the servicemen and servicewomen, past and present, who have displayed courage and self-sacrifice serving our country… 더보기

7,930 community cases; 494 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,023 | 2022.04.23
Today we are reporting 7,930 community cases, 494 hospitalisations and 19 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average is 8,475, while the seven-day roll… 더보기

Survey results show safety of COVID-19 vaccin…

댓글 0 | 조회 744 | 2022.04.23
The Ministry of Health’s Post Vaccine Symptom Check survey results show that most tamariki aged 5 to 11 did not experience a reaction after receiving … 더보기

9,390 community cases; 522 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 912 | 2022.04.22
Today we are reporting 9,390 community cases, 522 hospitalisations and 13 deaths. Today’s seven-day rolling average is 8,166, while the seven-day roll… 더보기

10,294 community cases; 524 hospitalisations;…

댓글 0 | 조회 963 | 2022.04.21
Today we are reporting 10,294 community cases, 524 hospitalisations and 18 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline,… 더보기

11,217 community cases; 13 deaths; 547 hospit…

댓글 0 | 조회 885 | 2022.04.20
The IT network issue that affected reporting of most of our data earlier today has now been resolved. The updated statement is below.Today we are repo… 더보기

COVID-19 Vaccine Independent Safety Monitorin…

댓글 0 | 조회 685 | 2022.04.20
From February 2021 to November 2021, the COVID-19 Vaccine Independent Safety Monitoring Board (the Board) met to review and discuss safety data for th… 더보기

Commemorating Anzac Day

댓글 0 | 조회 755 | 2022.04.20
Auckland Council and the Auckland RSA (Returned Services Association) have come together to provide plenty of opportunities for all Aucklanders to hon… 더보기

Record high dwelling consents add further str…

댓글 0 | 조회 658 | 2022.04.20
A surge in new building consents is piling extra pressure on New Zealand’s construction industry, which is already under considerable strain due to su… 더보기

8,270 community cases, 5 deaths today

댓글 0 | 조회 1,117 | 2022.04.19
Today we are reporting 8,270 community cases and five deaths. There are 572 people in hospital and 19 people in ICU.The seven-day rolling average of c… 더보기

6,242 community cases, 11 deaths, 553 hospita…

댓글 0 | 조회 978 | 2022.04.18
Today we are reporting 6,242 community cases, 553 hospitalisations and 11 deaths.The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline,wi… 더보기

5933 community cases, 10 deaths, 537 hospital…

댓글 0 | 조회 864 | 2022.04.17
Today we are reporting 5,933 community cases, 537 hospitalisations and 10 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline, … 더보기

13,636 community cases, 30 deaths in past two…

댓글 0 | 조회 933 | 2022.04.16
Today we are reporting 13,636 community cases (7,763 on Friday and 5,748 today), and 30 deaths (20 on Friday and 10 today) over the past two days sinc… 더보기

9,563 community cases; 528 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 889 | 2022.04.14
Today we are reporting 9,563 community cases, 528 hospitalisations and 16 deaths.The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline,wi… 더보기

Ministry of Health launches $9 million COVID-…

댓글 0 | 조회 770 | 2022.04.14
Following Health Minister Andrew Little’s announcement yesterday, the Ministry of Health is gearing up to consider applicationsfor the newly available… 더보기

Reserve Bank goes big and mortgage rates have…

댓글 0 | 조회 1,160 | 2022.04.13
There was never any doubt that the official cash rate (OCR) would be increased today. The only uncertainty was how big the rise would be, and in the e… 더보기

9,495 community cases; 551 hospitalisations; …

댓글 0 | 조회 1,005 | 2022.04.13
Today we are reporting 9,495 community cases, 551 hospitalisations and 15 deaths.The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline,wi… 더보기

11,063 community cases; 622 hospitalisations;…

댓글 0 | 조회 930 | 2022.04.12
Today we are reporting 11,063 community cases, 622 hospitalisations and 16 deaths.The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline,w… 더보기