Health Minster Dr Shane Reti says additional supplies of free rapid antigen tests (RATs) for Covid-19 will enable continued free testing for the public health sector to the end of June.
New Zealand’s current inventory of RATs expires before the end of March and the ability to keep providing free stock would have come to an end, he says.
“Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora will procure supplies to enable the ongoing provision of free RATs through until June 30.
“These free RATs will be available through the established national network of distribution providers, comprising of health providers and some pharmacies.”
Reti says officials will provide him with further advice on Covid-19 testing and supply requirements from July 1 onwards.
“Many other countries have already decreased the wide distribution of free RATs, however this approach will ensure New Zealand continues to have good stocks of tests available as we enter winter.
“Health New Zealand is purchasing a further five million RATs. These costs can be met from existing budgets for Covid-19 services.”
