Testing and tracing

Testing for COVID-19 and contact tracing are two important ways to help manage COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Isolating at home

If you test positive or live with someone who has COVID-19 you need to isolate. Find out what this means and how to access support.

What to expect

Preparing to isolate

Isolation can be safer and less stressful if you and your whanau make plans now for what you will do if someone gets sick.

Make a plan

Translated COVID-19 information

A lot of health advice related to COVID-19 has been translated into other languages to make it more accessible.

Find your language

Information in alternative formats

Health advice related to COVID-19 is available in a number of alternative formats such as Easy Read, Braille, and New Zealand Sign Language.

Find out more

Who needs to get tested?

If you are unwell

If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms you should take a test.

Check out this handy tips on taking a rapid antigen test and what to do if you test positive.

If you live with someone who has COVID-19

If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you are a household contact and need to isolate for 7 days.

Take a test:

on day 3 and day 7 of your isolation period
if you have symptoms.

If you've got questions about when, if and how long you need to isolate, check out these FAQs

Create an isolation timeline for your household if someone has COVID-19. This will let you know who needs to isolate, the dates they need a test, and when they can leave isolation. It will also give you self-isolation dates for those in your house who have COVID-19.

How to get a rapid antigen test

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now the main way of finding out if you have COVID-19. They are free and can be collected at a number of sites around the region.

*You no longer need to have COVID-19 symptoms or be a household contact to be eligible for free RATs. Make sure you order them online first, only order what you need, and remember that our large community testing centres have the most stock on site.*

If have symptoms or are a household contact on days 3 or 7 of your isolation then you should use a RAT to see if you have COVID-19.

There are five tests in each box and you will receive instructions on when you should take a test. It takes only 20 minutes to get your result.

Here is some general advice on how to take a RAT, but each brand is slightly different so make sure to look at the instructions in the pack.

Find out more about other reasons you can get a RAT.

Close contact exemption scheme

FInd out more about who is included and how it works when related to testing and returning to the workplace.

Record all of your RAT results

Step by step instructions on how to record your result online. It helps us ensure you're connected with the support you and your household may need.

More on the types of tests available

The difference between PCR and RAT testing, which one is most appropriate for different situations and who has access.

If you test positive for COVID-19

If you get a positive result on your rapid antigen test (RAT) you need to record it at My Covid Record or by phoning 0800 222 478.

Check out these step by step instructions for reporting the result online.

Download these tips on what else to do if you test positive.

Create an isolation timeline for your household - this will let you know who needs to isolate, the dates they need a test, and when they can leave isolation. It will also give you self-isolation dates for those in your house who have COVID-19.

Depending on your situation, you may receive a call from your doctor or a health professional to find out how you are feeling and what you need.

If at any time you have difficulty breathing, feel very unwell or unsafe, call 111 immediately.

Get a test

Find out the closest place to pick up rapid antigen tests

Isolating at home

What you need to know if you have to isolate and recover in your home.

Recovering from COVID-19

It's not uncommon for symptoms to continue for up to 4 weeks. Take it easy as you recover.

Managing symptoms and when to get help

If you test positive for COVID-19 you will have to isolate at home. You may feel unwell. Many of the symptoms are similar to a cold or flu.

Here are some tips on how you can manage those symptoms so you can recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Remember, if at any time you or a family member find it hard to breathe, become very unwell or feel unsafe, immediately call 111.