Support and information for disabled people

This section has information about COVID-19 and useful services for disabled people.

Get support

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Want to talk to someone?

For testing or vaccination advice, call the Disability Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 and choose option 2.

If you are self-isolating and need food or other essential items, call the COVID-19 welfare phone line on 0800 512 337.

If it is an emergency and you need urgent medical help or cannot breathe properly, call emergency services on 111. If you have COVID-19, tell them when you call.

Get a COVID-19 test

When you may need a COVID-19 test

You may need a test if:

  • you have symptoms of COVID-19
  • you live with someone who has COVID-19
  • you are travelling
  • you job needs you to take tests.

You can do a rapid antigen test (RAT) at home, either by yourself or with the help of a family member or support person. 

How to get a rapid antigen test (RAT) kit

You can order RATs online or over the phone to use at home. The service is easy to use, and there are RAT collection sites all around the country. You will need access to a mobile phone to order online.

If needed, someone else can order and pick up a RAT kit for you.

You can also arrange for a doctor or nurse to do a test for you at a testing centre. It is okay to bring someone with you when you get a test.

You can also get advice from the Disability Healthline. Call 0800 28 29 26 and choose option 2.

Get tests delivered to your home

If you have mobility or other accessibility challenges and are unable to leave your home to get to a collection site, you can arrange to have a RAT kit delivered to you. 

How to report your results

If you have done the test yourself, or a support person has done it for you, record the result online or over the phone.

How to get a COVID-19 test

Learn more about who can get a test and where to get them from.

How to take a rapid antigen test (RAT)

Find instructions for how to use a rapid antigen test (RAT) kit at home.

Order a rapid antigen test (RAT) kit (external link)

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or live with someone who has COVID-19, you can order free RAT kits through this website. You will need to pick them up from a collection site.

What happens if you or your support worker gets COVID-19

If you test positive

If you have a mobile phone, you will receive confirmation of your test results by text from the Ministry of Health, using the official 2328 or 2648 numbers.

The text includes a link to the COVID-19 Health Hub. This is a safe and data-free website with the latest, trusted information about what to do next, and how to monitor your symptoms.

The text also includes a link to a form with questions about your health, wellbeing, and where you are living, so that you can get extra help if you need it.

If you need help completing the form, email help@tracingform.min.health.nz or call 0800 555 728.

COVID-19 Health Hub (external link)

What you need to do

You will need to self-isolate for 7 days. This means you must stay at home and also try to avoid contact with people you live with. The people you live with will also need to self-isolate.

Start counting from Day 0, which is the first day you had symptoms or when you got your positive test result (whichever came first).

Make a plan for how you will get food or medicines delivered.

For most people, COVID-19 is a mild to moderate illness. You should be able to fully recover at home.

If you still feel unwell after 7 days, you should stay at home until 24 hours after your symptoms have gone.

Advice for carers on supporting someone who has COVID-19 | health.govt.nz (external link)

Preparing to self-isolate

Find out how to make a plan in case you need to self-isolate.

If you have COVID-19

Find out what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

Self-isolating if you are older or have a disability (external link)

The Health Navigator website has information for disabled people about keeping yourself safe, getting support and testing.

Tips for isolating at home (external link)

The Ministry of Health has advice for making self-isolating at home easier.

Managing your COVID-19 symptoms (external link)

It is important to keep an eye on symptoms, particularly if they seem to be getting worse, and get help straight away if needed.

Managing COVID-19 symptoms in children (external link)

For most children, COVID-19 generally has mild effects. Find out what symptoms to look out for.

Get vaccinated

Get your booster for the best protection

A booster dose will give you greater immunity against COVID-19, including Omicron.

You can get a booster now if:

  • you are aged 18 or over, and
  • it has been at least 3 months since you completed your primary course
  • you are aged 16 or 17 and it has been 6 months since you completed your primary course.

If you have not been vaccinated yet, talk to your doctor or health professional for advice.

If you are immunocompromised

Some people over the age of 5 who are severely immunocompromised are eligible to get a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This extra dose will help give you your best possible protection.

Your doctor can tell you whether you are eligible for this third primary dose. If you think you might qualify, speak with your doctor or specialist.

Find out more about vaccination for people who are severely immunocompromised (external link)

Book your vaccination or get advice

To book your vaccination or get advice:

Vaccinations for disabled people

Find information and advice about getting vaccinated, including information about boosters and accessible vaccination sites.

Vaccine advice if you have a health condition

Information about getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medication.

Get support

General COVID-19 support

Find services for when you need help, support, advice or information about COVID-19.

COVID-19 support

Get financial support

If your income has been affected by COVID-19, you may be able to apply for financial support.

Financial support

When you are self-isolating

Support is available if you need it when self-isolating because of COVID-19.

Help when you are self-isolating

If you need care or home support

If you test positive, let your support provider know that you have COVID-19 so they can put protective measures in place.

Your in-home care will carry on, even if you are sick with COVID-19.

Anyone who is providing care must follow appropriate infection prevention control procedures.

Infection prevention and control recommendations for health and disability care workers | health.govt.nz (external link)

COVID-19 welfare phone line

Call the Ministry of Social Development's free COVID-19 Welfare line on 0800 512 337. They can help you with:

  • food and essential items
  • mobile data so you can keep in contact with friends and whānau
  • support for personal care or daily tasks
  • talking to your employer if you are worried about your leave or pay
  • mental health support
  • support with family or sexual violence.

If you are not coping

Find helplines that are available if you are not coping or have concerns for others.

Wellbeing helplines and support

Wearing a face mask

Face masks are a way we can protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. You should wear one whenever you can. At some traffic light settings, there are some places where you must wear one.

Face mask exemptions

For some people, an impairment, disability, or physical or mental health condition can mean wearing a mask is not possible. 

If you have a legitimate reason that means wearing a face mask is not suitable, you can apply for an exemption card (called a Communication Card) through the Ministry of Health website. You can also request a card by calling 0800 28 29 26 and selecting option 2, or by texting 8988. 

Request a mask exemption card | health.govt.nz (external link)

Wearing a face mask

Face masks are a way we can protect ourselves and others. You should wear one whenever you can. At some traffic light settings, there are some places where you must wear one, unless you are exempt.

Who does not need to wear a face mask

For some people wearing a face mask is unsuitable. Find a list of valid reasons where a mask does not need to be worn and who does not need to wear one.

How to wear a face mask

When you wear a face mask, it is important you use it safely.

The traffic light system

The purpose of the traffic light system

We are protecting Aoteroa New Zealand from COVID-19 using a system called the 'traffic lights'. Its official name is the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

What the traffic lights mean for you

At every traffic light setting

  • My Vaccine Passes are no longer required. Some businesses may choose to keep using them.
  • You do not need to scan in when visiting a business or venue.

When we are at Red

  • There is a 200-person limit for indoor gatherings and events.
  • You must wear a face mask in many indoor locations.

When we are at Orange

  • You must wear a face mask in many indoor locations.

When we are at Green

  • There are no restrictions.

Life at Red

Red is not a lockdown, but there are restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about what you need to do.

Life at Orange

Because there are cases of COVID-19 in the community at Orange, you must wear a face mask at many indoors locations. Learn more about what you need to do.

Life at Green

There are no restrictions at Green. Find out about the healthy habits we encourage you to continue doing.

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