Guidance on Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for symptomatic and asymptomatic testing in the education sector
Rapid Antigen Tests
Provision of RAT kits now ended
Early learning services, schools and kura
To improve access for students and staff, in 2022 we distributed RAT kits for use by children, students and staff. All available kits have now been disbursed.
Once you have exhausted your Ministry of Education supply of kits you need to advise symptomatic staff and students to get a kit from a community collection point. You can no longer order a bulk supply of RAT kits for your school or early learning service.
If you have symptoms
If you are sick, stay home and get tested. RATs remain the primary testing tool for people with COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who is symptomatic can access free tests at RAT collection sites.
Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested.
How to use RATs
How to use RATs – Ministry of Health
What to do if you have a positive test result
Any positive cases should be reported via the normal processes and all results, both positive and negative, should be entered by the individual in their My COVID-19 Record.