Tauranga residents are reporting 'massive waiting times” at collection points for free rapid antigen tests.
The Ministry of Health announced this morning that RATs are available for order for symptomatic people or household contacts through the newly launched RAT requester site.
In a statement released this morning, Covid-19 testing and supply acting group manager Jo Pugh says the site is one way the MOH is making testing more readily available for those who need it.
On top of the 15 million that arrived last week, 2.6 million RATs arrived on Tuesday, followed by a delivery of 5.1 million RATs on Wednesday.
There are 146 collection sites, 106 testing centres, and 21 providers supporting our priority population groups nationwide.
Angela Smart is one of many people who have queued this morning for RATs after the ministry's announcement.
She has a warning for anyone wanting the tests. And that is to be patient, and bring a seat.
She says she moved 3m in 25 minutes at a collection point in Tauriko.
'If you're disabled or elderly, this would be a nightmare.
'There may be options available for the disabled or elderly, but I wouldn't recommend just showing up without some sort of seating if you can't stand for long periods of time.”
People waiting in line to get their RATs. Photo: Angela Smart.
Angela says the people are going as fast as the can, there's just a lot of people who have shown up.
She also urges people to have their order number with them to make the process faster.
'People need to pre-order on the government website.”
How to order:
- Requesting RATs on the Requester site is an easy step-by-step process. RATs can be requested on behalf of someone else.
- You can order the test kits from the website (requestrats.covid19.health.nz) or by ringing 0800 222 478 (option 3) from 8am to 8pm. People will need to have access to a mobile phone to validate their order.
- You will be issued an order number. You can then collect your RAT order from a collection site listed on Healthpoint, or have someone collect it for you.
- For people are not unwell or a household contact but want to get a RAT for other purposes, such as to visit an elderly relative, there are retail options now, including the Chemist Warehouse and Countdown.
4 comments
Availablity
Posted on 03-03-2022 13:33 | By Kancho
Still not really available for most. I will believe it when they are on shelves in pharmacies and supermarkets. Typically what happens when government bans import and use for so long and create this situation. This will be weeks to resolve for low paid people to have access or buy them as people can't be expected to queue up for hours . To late again / still.
Remember...
Posted on 03-03-2022 19:42 | By katikatinudist
You also need the date of birth for the person you are picking up for and yourself
@Kancho
Posted on 05-03-2022 14:20 | By morepork
I have been with you all the way on this, but I'm pleased to report that SOME pharmacies DO have them on sale now. Warehouse Stationery sold out quickly and are awaiting restock. I was able to buy a 5 RAT pack at John's Pharmacy on Cameron Rd and 1st Avenue, yesterday. The price was under $50 which is not outrageous, but still a bit steep (when you look at the intrinsic value of what's in the pack...). I guess it beats going through hoops and standing for long periods in order to get a free pack.
Oops!
Posted on 06-03-2022 12:55 | By morepork
John's Pharmacy is on the corner of SECOND Ave, not first... sorry.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.