Aucklanders turning up to testing sites for a Covid swab can now drive away with a RAT – which is the new test standard from today.  

The rapid antigen tests – which return a result in just 20 minutes – are also being rolled out this week in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the South Island.  

The Northern Region Health Coordination Centre says staff will offer instructions on home use of the kit.  

But operations director Matt Hannant told Heather du Plessis-Allan some people may still need a PCR nasal swab. 

“There might be a special set of clinical circumstances, perhaps for a vulnerable household or something where having that PCR result will just help with the onward management of the case.” 

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