COVID-19 Information Update

Update on recommended COVID-19 testing advice

From 4 March 2024, recommended COVID-19 testing advice for household contacts of a positive COVID-19 case is changing.

• Household contacts of a positive COVID-19 case who do not have COVID-19 symptoms are no longer recommended to test daily with a rapid antigen test (RAT) for 5 days following a positive COVID-19 case in the household.
• If a household contact of a positive COVID-19 case develops one or more COVID-19 symptoms, they are recommended to stay at home and test for COVID-19 using a RAT.

This change aligns with public health guidance that advises RAT testing is generally not recommended when a person does not have any COVID-19 symptoms. 

Testing for COVID-19 with RATs remains an important tool to support effective ongoing management of COVID-19 outbreaks in high-risk facilities, help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on hospital admission rates and enable eligible people to access antiviral medications.

Recommended COVID-19 testing advice continues to support:

• RAT testing if symptomatic.
• PCR testing if a result can influence treatment options.

Update on the COVID-19 Testing Plan and guidance documents

The Health NZ COVID-19 Testing Plan and supporting guidance documents have provided a reference point for the COVID-19 testing principles, while aligning with the strategic direction and management of the disease.

Regular reviews have been undertaken to ensure content has remained fit for purpose and has continued to be aligned with changes to government policy.

Commencing in October 2023, Health NZ undertook a post winter review in consultation with clinical and public health experts from within Health NZ and the Public Health Agency, to seek advice on future testing advice to support those at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

The review has resulted in the following agreement:

• The COVID-19 Testing Plan and guidance documents in their current state are no longer fit for purpose and these documents will be removed from the Health NZ website.
• On 4 March 2024, COVID-19 testing content that remains to be relevant for certain sector groups will be transferred to the COVID-19 chapter of the Communicable Diseases Manual and/or HealthPathways.
• Redundant information that is no longer needed for other sector groups will not be transferred.