Our response to Omicron
About Phase 3
There are thousands of new cases every day. Most people will self-manage at home. Health and social services will focus on families and communities that have the highest needs.
Getting tested for COVID-19
You should only get a COVID-19 test if:
- you have symptoms, or
- you are a Household Contact — you live with someone who has COVID-19.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the main testing method for people with COVID-19 symptoms and Household Contacts. You can order RATs online or over the phone, to pick up at a site near you. You should record your RAT result — even if it is negative. You can record your result online through My Covid Record or by calling 0800 222 478.
Isolation requirements
If you test positive, you will need to isolate for 7 days.
If you are a Household Contact, you will need to isolate from the day the person with COVID-19 tests positive, until they complete their 7 days of isolation. You will need to test on Day 3 and Day 7 of the isolation period, or sooner if you develop symptoms. If you test positive, you need to begin 7 days of isolation as a case.
Close Contacts do not need to isolate, but you should monitor for symptoms for 10 days.
Critical workers can keep working as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.
Case investigation and contact tracing
Self-service tools are available for people to provide information for contact tracing and case investigation.
If you test positive you will be sent a text with a link to complete an online form to identify high-risk locations and people you have had contact with. The Ministry of Health will focus on supporting people who do not have access to or are not confident using technology.
Bluetooth tracing continues to be used.
Locations of interest will not be published during Phase 3.
Support for businesses and people in self-isolation
If you are self-isolating at home, you can get help if you need essential supplies like food or medicine. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor or Healthline for advice. They will tell you what you need to do next.
Vulnerable people will have access to clinical care to help them self-isolate safely.
Help if you are self isolating
COVID-19 Support Payment for businesses | ird.govt.nz (external link)
Phase 1
There are some cases of COVID-19 in the community, but we continue to stamp it out.
Keep up healthy habits to protect us
COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities. Slow the spread of the virus by keeping up healthy habits.
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