When to get tested for COVID-19
You only need to get tested if you have been to a location of interest or if you have symptoms.
If you have been to a location of interest
People who have been at the locations of interest must isolate immediately and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on testing and isolating.
If you have cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms
If you're feeling unwell with cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, please call either:
- Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453
- your doctor or Nurse Practitioner, or
- your iwi health provider.
Contact with someone who has been at a location of interest
If you've been in contact with someone who has been at a location of interest, but have not been at the location of interest yourself, you don't need to get tested. You should monitor for symptoms. If you do get symptoms:
Testing locations
Please only visit a testing location if you have made a booking. To book a test, call your local community testing centre or GP.
You can get advice on how to book a test by calling Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Find your nearest testing centre in Wellington.
Wairarapa DHB testing locationsUp-to-date testing locations in the Wairarapa | Wairarapa DHB website
About our testing locations (CBACs)
There are community based assessment centres (CBACs) across the Wellington region where you can get assessed and tested for COVID-19. We're also testing people who visit their GP or hospital displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are 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.
Video produced by Raukura Hauora o Tainui and presented by Dr Mataroria Lyndon via Procare Health
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Getting tested
COVID-19 tests are free
If you've been told you should get a test, COVID-19 tests are free of charge. This applies regardless of your citizenship, immigration status, nationality or level of medical insurance coverage.
You may need to pay for a test if it’s for the purpose of entering another country.
Information on getting a pre-departure COVID-19 test | Covid19.govt.nz
Who we are testing
Our highest priority is to test people:
- who are displaying COVID-19 symptoms and:
- have travelled overseas
- have been in contact with people who have recently returned from overseas, or
- are close contacts of people working at the border or in managed isolation/quarantine facilities.
- who have been to a location of interest.
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What will happen during the test
If you need to be tested for COVID-19, a sample is taken from you.
There’s more than 1 way to take a sample. The most common way is to swab the back of your nose. A swab is like a small cotton-bud but with a longer stick.
For some people this is a tickle, others find it a bit uncomfortable.
Help protect healthcare workers when getting tested
If you get tested, we need your help to keep healthcare workers safe. That means continuing to cough and sneeze into your elbow, and staying 2 metres away from other people wherever possible.
Follow any instructions you get, like turning up on time, calling ahead or waiting in your car.
The people testing you may wear protective equipment likes gowns or face coverings. This is nothing to worry about, it helps protect them and everyone they’re testing.
While waiting for the results of your test, you'll be asked to self isolate.
View the latest COVID-19 testing numbers across our region on the Ministry of Health website
Getting the results
When you are tested, you will be told how and when to expect your results.
You will receive your results whether you test negative or positive. Test results are generally available within 48 hours.
If you test positive, the Ministry of Health and your local public health unit will call you to discuss your results. They will advise you what to do next.
What to expect if you test positive | Covid19.govt.nz
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