16 Mar 2022

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Nine additional RAT collection sites will open at pharmacies across Canterbury today.

“These pharmacies will be only be fulfilling orders so ensure you place your order for RATs before heading to a collection site – and have your order number ready when you arrive” says Tracey Maisey, ECC Incident Controller, Canterbury DHB.

Orders can be made via the online system or by free calling 0800 222 478.

RATs are free for:

  • people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a household contact or who have been instructed to get tested by a health official.
  • Critical workers who are household contacts
  • Border workers who are required to be tested under the Required Testing Order

“It’s great to see these pharmacies coming on board and expanding the ranges of locations RAT tests are available to our communities,” says Ms Maisey.

“This will also help ease pressure on our community testing centres. Please, only request RATs if you have symptoms, you are a household contact or have been directed to take a test by a health official. There’s no need to get a RAT just in case.

“Additional pharmacies are gearing up to become RAT collections sites in the coming days.

“It’s really important that you log the result of your RAT test so that you get the support that you may need if you have tested positive.

“You can do this online through My Covid Record or over the phone by free calling 0800 222 478 and choose option 3.

“You can also report a RAT result for someone else using these methods. To make a report on behalf of someone else you will need their NHI number, full name and date of birth.”

New RAT Collection Sites:

  • Addington Pharmacy
  • Burwood Pharmacy
  • Darfield Pharmacy
  • Ilam Pharmacy
  • Kaiapoi North Pharmacy
  • Leeston Pharmacy
  • Unichem Cashel Pharmacy
  • Unichem Medical Corner Pharmacy
  • Union Street Pharmacy New Brighton

Up-to-date information on opening hours is available on the Canterbury District Health Board healthpoint website.