Covid-19 Testing in the New Lynn Electorate

The Team from Deborah Russell, MP for New Lynn

I've been advised that Health New Lynn, our local Covid-19 Community Testing Centre is having traffic management issues. During the lockdown it was a bit safer for cars to queue there, but as businesses are now open, this is not possible. Some people have also been parking and walking in to get tested. Although the advice on the Covid-19 website states this is a walk-in testing centre, Health New Lynn has advised us that the layout of their building means there are health and safety issues involved with this option. I am looking into whether some additional support can be put in place to help manage the traffic issue at this site.
To minimise pressure on all testing centres, please only get a test if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, if you have been at a location of interest or are a contact of a case, if you are travelling, or if mandatory testing applies to your job. Many GPs are providing free PCR tests. Phone them immediately if you are symptomatic as you may have to wait a bit longer to get an appointment.
ALSO: As we have now entered Omicron Response Phase Two. Workers at registered critical services who are vaccinated and asymptomatic close contacts of a COVID-19 case will be able to continue to work, as long as they return a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) prior to each day/shift they are at work during the isolation period, and follow specific health protocols. They will only be allowed to go to work – not anywhere else.
Workers who are participating in the scheme will be able to collect free Rapid Antigen Test kits from a collection site. Refer to the guidance on the Ministry of Health website for the process for collecting and undertaking a Rapid Antigen Test, as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.
Omicron Phase 2: covid19.govt.nz...
Rapid Antigen Testing: covid19.govt.nz...
Close Contact Exemption Scheme: www.business.govt.nz...