To meet domestic travel requirements, 15-minute Covid-19 rapid antigen testing will be available at no cost from community pharmacies throughout New Zealand until the end of January 2022.

From tomorrow (Tuesday December 14), anyone travelling with a transport company that requires unvaccinated individuals to be tested will be required to carry evidence of a negative test result within 72 hours of travel. 

The Auckland boundary lifts at 11:59pm tomorrow.

“As we enter the next phase, there will be challenges ahead. We will continue to see cases, and in places we haven’t so far,” director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said.

PCR tests remain in use for symptomatic people and close contacts of confirmed cases. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“It’s crucial that all of us, right around the country, continue to play our part, so we can enjoy the summer we all deserve.”

The Ministry of Health recommends rapid antigen tests be administered as close as possible to the time of travel, preferably within 24 hours before departure.

Travellers are still able to use a negative PCR test to meet any travel requirements, but Ashley said that is not recommended as the rapid antigen tests will allow laboratories to focus on processing PCR tests for symptomatic people and close contacts of confirmed cases.

And rapid antigen testing is not to be used for symptomatic individuals. 

“Advice for people who are unwell and have Covid-19 symptoms continues to be, stay home and get a PCR test,” Ashley said.

Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement of these rules, with people breaking the rules facing an infringement fine of $1,000.

WellSouth and the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) are reminding residents and visitors to call 0800 VIRUS-19 to access testing in the Southern region - particularly during the busy holiday season.

“Please get a Covid test if you feel unwell. It is free and it helps ensure Covid is not in our communities,” WellSouth director of nursing Wendy Findlay said.

“With potentially tens of thousands of visitors coming to Southern over the Christmas and summer break, we want to ensure people know how to access testing quickly and the 0800 VIRUS-19 call centre makes it straight-forward and simple for people to get a Covid test.”

The 0800 VIRUS-19 call centre can help people access Covid-19 swabbing at a testing site, general practice or other provider. Health providers are working together to ensure testing is widely available across the district throughout the holiday period.

The 0800 VIRUS-19 call centre operates seven days a week 8:30am to 4:30pm. Outside these hours, calls can be connected directly to HealthLine.

If you are unwell, stay home and don’t go out or travel until you’ve had a negative PCR test.