Health New Zealand (Health NZ) reminds people that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) remain free until 30 September 2024.

People can continue to pick up free RATs until this date from participating pharmacies and RAT collection sites as listed on Healthpoint.

From 1 October 2024, people needing RATs can purchase them from community pharmacies and retail stores such as supermarkets. 

Public health advice for the management of COVID-19 remains unchanged. Testing for COVID-19 using a RAT is still recommended and those with a positive test result should isolate for at least 5 days, even if they only have mild symptoms, and follow the guidance for people with COVID-19. See if you have COVID-19 to find out more.

RAT testing also remains an important method to enable people who meet Pharmac's eligibility criteria to access COVID-19 antiviral treatment medicine, to reduce the impact of the virus on those at higher risk of severe illness. 

People who meet the criteria can continue to access COVID-19 antiviral treatment medicine through their healthcare provider and pharmacy. These people are encouraged to pick up free RATs before 30 September from their nearest RAT collection site while they are still available.

RATs available for collection will have a shelf life ranging from December 2025 to May 2027, giving people a long timeframe for possible use.

Being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations remains one of the best things we can do to protect ourselves from serious illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. You can book for yourself, a family member, or a group on bookmyvaccine.health.nz

Public health advice will soon be made available on https://info.health.nz for those who test negative for COVID-19 or have not tested, to guide people on what to do if they have symptoms of a respiratory illness and how to reduce the risk of spreading it on to others.