COVID-19 Message from Te Whatu Ora

From 13 February, some people will need to pay for COVID-related visits to their local healthcare provider as part of a move towards managing COVID in a similar way to other public health diseases.

The majority of people who test positive can recover safely at home.

Free COVID healthcare will continue to be available for people at higher risk of becoming very sick:

• People with high-risk medical conditions
• Māori and Pacific people
• People with disabilities
• People aged 65 and over
• If you meet the criteria for access to antiviral medicines. https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-isolation/if-you-have-covid-19/medicines-to-treat-covid-19/#who-can-get-antivirals

You can request RAT kits online by calling 0800 222 478 or by clicking this link: https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/

People isolating at home are encouraged to call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice or guidance in managing COVID symptoms.

We’re continuing to protect those who are most of risk of getting ill from COVID. If you require hospital-level care, it remains free for everyone.

For more information please visit Unite Against Covid or Te Whatu Ora