All you need to know about rapid Covid tests

How do I get a Rapid Antigen Test in Kapiti?

Getting a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in Ka¯ piti is simple — if you know how! This article by Ka¯ piti Health Advisory Group’s Sandra Daly outlines who can get a free test, when you should get a test, how to access free RATs and how to obtain a RAT if you don’t meet the criteria for a free test.

Detailed information is available on the Ministry of Health’s Covid-19 website : Testing and tracing | Unite against Covid-19 (covid19. govt.nz)

When should you get a test?

If you have cold, flu or Covid-19 symptoms (see below) you should get a test. If you are a household contact of someone with Covid-19. If you live with a person who has Covid-19, you need to get a test on their day three and day 10 of selfisolation.

If you are a close contact, you do not need to get a test unless you develop symptoms.

Who can get a free test?

A Covid-19 test is free if it is part of the public health response. This includes if you: have symptoms (see below), are a household contact of someone who has Covid-19, are a critical worker and need a test to go to work, are part of the healthcare and emergency service workforce, require a test for domestic travel or to attend court, do a job where mandatory testing applies, have been told to get one by a health professional.

How do I get a RAT in Ka¯ piti?

If you meet the criteria above, you need to place an order either by free phone call to 0800 222 478 or on line at https://requestrats. covid19.health.nz

You can collect the RATs you have ordered at a community collection site. In Kapiti these are at :

- Waikanae Rugby Club, 100 Ngarara Road, Waikanae;

- Life Pharmacy Coastlands, Coastlands Shoppingtown, State Highway 1, Paraparaumu;

- Te Puna Oranga o O¯ taki, 51 Main St, O¯ taki.

Check the Covid-19 website for today’s opening times. Your doctor may also offer Covid-19 tests. Call them to find out and follow their advice.

Covid-19 symptoms

Symptoms can include one or more of the following: a new or worsening cough, sneezing and runny nose, a fever, temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste, sore throat, shortness of breath.

Less common symptoms may include: diarrhoea, headache, muscle pain or body aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise — a general feeling of discomfort, illness or unease, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, confusion or irritability.

These less common symptoms almost always occur with one or more of the common symptoms. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have Covid-19. The symptoms are like other illnesses that are much more common, such as colds and flu.

Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor, Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your iwi health provider.

Getting a test for other reasons

People at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 can get a free test from their doctor or community health provider. They will decide which type of test is best for you.

If you want to get a test for another reason — for example, because you are visiting friends or wha¯ nau — you can now buy a RAT at retail outlets including some supermarkets, pharmacies and others.