What you need to know about Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) kits
You can find out how to get a free RAT or PCR test, where to find a community testing centre or collection site, and how to report RAT results here.
You can order and collect a RATs test from a community collection site.
·Healthpoint (here) has the latest information on community collection sites.
·The community collection sites ordering process can be accessed via the Ministry of Health website at (here) OR free call 0800 222 478 .
·Wairarapa Hospital is not a collection site.
·If you are unsure what you need to do, please contact your GP who will provide you with support and guidance.
·Information about Wairarapa COVID-19 Testing Sites can be found here .
Remember, if you have cold or flu like symptoms, stay home, isolate and get tested.
RAT supplies
RATs can be collected from pharmacies in the Wairarapa. Find out more here.
Disposal of RATs
Used RAT kits are considered medical waste and so must be disposed of safely in a zip-locked bag along with normal rubbish.
Need emergency care?
The Te Whatu Ora - Wairarapa has repeated its message that people only use the Wairarapa Hospital Emergency Department (ED) if they are specifically seeking emergency care.
If people who need emergency care, that is not life threatening they should contact the After Hours service, based at Masterton Medical Centre at 4 Colombo Road, Lansdowne, Masterton.
The After Hours Service provides urgent medical care to ALL Wairarapa and out of town patients.
You do not have to be a patient of Masterton Medical to use this service.
After hours is open weekends and public holidays, 9am-5pm Phone 06 370 0011 Or patients can access telehealth primary care between 5pm-10pm weekdays and 8am-8pm weekends/public holidays through PracticePlus https://practiceplus.nz/
Patients can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 which offers free medical advice 24 hours
Need more information about RATs
There is plenty of information around RATs on the Ministry of Health website that offers you more background information.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccination
Information on how to get a vaccination or booster can be found here.
Information on places you can get vaccinated and opening hours in the Wairarapa can be found here
Vaccination for children and young people
The COVID-19 vaccine protects your child, your whānau and your community. It is free and available now for everyone aged 5 and over. More information can be found here.
Feeling unwell
If you are feeling unwell and think you may have COVID-19 call Healthline.
·The COVID Healthline is supporting people with information and advice about COVID, 24x7. People can call 0800 358 5453 or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453.
·The COVID Vaccination Healthline provides vaccination information and helps people who are unable to book their vaccination appointment online. The team are available 8am – 8pm 7 days a week on 0800 28 29 26.
More information about how Healthline can support you and your whānau is here .
