Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)
RAT tests are available free across the district. More about RAT testing
RAT Collection Sites
Order RAT tests online via Request a RAT. Local community collection sites can be found on Healthpoint.
Masks and RAT tests are available for FREE.
Report a Positive Covid Test
It is important to register a Covid positive RAT test result via https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/.
This helps us to understand the spread of the virus, and it also means you can receive funded (free) care from your GP or health provider.
If you test positive for Covid, you need to isolate for seven days. Your household contacts do not need to isolate, but they should continue to test daily for Covid.
COVID-19 Testing - No appointment required
PCR testing is available for anyone who meets the Ministry of Health's criteria, including in advance of a surgery or hospital appointment, anyone directed by the Medical Officer of Health or for those unable to have a rapid antigen test. More information.
Dunedin
The Dunedin Immunisation Centre – Te Puna Āraimate ki Ōtepoti
9.30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
Corner of Castle & Hanover Streets
(The old VTNZ building)
153-155 Hanover Street
Central Dunedin
Map
Invercargill
The Community Testing Centre in Invercargill is now closed. RAT tests can be accessed at pharmacies and WellSouth offices, Clyde Street.
See here for locations
RAT collection sites - Southland
Queenstown
Engage Safety Covid-19 Testing Centre
Drive Through/Walk In - No Appointment Required
9am to 3pm, seven days a week
18 Glenda Avenue, Frankton
Map
0800 VIRUS 19 Call Centre Hours of Operation
8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
9am-4pm Weekends and Holidays
COVID-19 testing is also provided by general practices and designated general practices in Southern.
Dunedin and South Otago - https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/dunedin-south-otago/
Queenstown Lakes district - https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/central-lakes/
Invercargill, Gore &Southland - https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/southland/
Oamaru/Waitaki - https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/waitaki/
When to get tested
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If you are unwell - even with minor cold symptoms, a runny nose or slightly sore throat - stay home. Even if it is negative, stay home until you are symptom-free.
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If the test is positive for Covid register your result here
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If you are a Household Contact, you should test daily for 5 days with a rapid antigen test (RAT) from the day the person with COVID-19 tested positive.
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If public health or your hospital doctor has told you to get a test for pre-admission.
Pre-departure COVID-19 tests
Some countries require you to have a negative COVID-19 test before travel. You will need to pay for a test if it is for the purpose of entering another country. More information see Pre-departure COVID-19 Tests
Long Covid
A pilot Long Covid Clinic has been established to help those with lasting Covid symptoms which have persisted over 12 weeks.
The pilot clinic is available until 31 December 2022 and provides multi-disciplinary team support.
You can contact your GP to discuss a referral to the programme.
COVID-19 related care
From 13 February 2023, you may need to pay for COVID-19-related visits to your healthcare provider.
If you are at higher risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19, you are still eligible for free healthcare from your doctor.
This protects those who are most at risk of getting very ill from COVID-19, including:
- people with certain high-risk medical conditions
- Māori
- Pacific peoples
- some disabled people
- those over the age of 65
- anyone else that meets the criteria for access to antiviral medicines.
Visit the COVID-19 website here for the full eligibility criteria.