Take steps to stay COVID-19 safe this summer
New Zealand’s settings will remain unchanged following a final review for the year.
That includes the retention of 7-day mandatory isolation for positive cases, in order to break the chain of transmission and keep cases and hospitalisations at a manageable level.
Get free masks, RATs and vaccines
The Government continues to provide masks, rapid antigen tests (RATs) and vaccines free from thousands of locations around the country. RATs can be ordered from the online requestor site or over the phone, and masks and vaccines from your local pharmacy or through your GP.
Request free RATs | Health Hub (external link)
Ahead of summer, we are encouraging New Zealanders to take simple precautions to keep a lid on COVID-19 and ensure our hard-working health workers get the break they deserve.
If you are eligible for a booster, get one now. If you haven’t had your first or second dose, it’s not too late. Getting boosted significantly reduces your chances of ending up in hospital needing care.
Making sure you’re up to date with your vaccines should be the first thing on your to-do list before Christmas.
We recently extended second booster eligibility to Māori and Pacific peoples aged 40 and over, if you’re now eligible then book in and get boosted before going to see whānau or heading away for the holidays.
Antiviral medication
Many people have been taking advantage of available antiviral medications, with 4000 doses being administered each week currently. We know this has been keeping people out of hospital and reduced the impact of COVID-19 on the health system.
You can get antiviral medication if you’re eligible and test positive for COVID-19. For information and eligibility criteria speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Free antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19 | Health Hub (external link)
Prepare and stay safe this summer
With many people travelling around the country over the coming weeks, it’s important that everyone plays their part. Get prepared now so we can all have safe-as summer.
Get help over the summer
- Call the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for free COVID health advice anytime, even on public holidays.
- For any other non-urgent health concerns, call the general Healthline number on 0800 611 116 for free.
- 0800 11 12 13 or text 8988. It can help with vaccines, testing, face mask exemptions, managing COVID-19, and any other health concerns you may have. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.