RATS IN Phase 2 key messages

Ministry of Health Key Messages - Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) during Omicron Phase 2 setting Approved 15 February 2022 Approach In Omicron Phase 2, New Zealand is stepping up its response to slow the spread of the virus. Part of that will include the increased use of Rapid antigen tests (RATs), alongside PCR tests.

Testing remains a cornerstone of our response but when, where and how we manage our testing will change now that Omicron will be increasingly widespread in the community.

Our testing regime must be both flexible and fast enough to enable a different response depending on a rapidly evolving situation.

Now that we are in Phase 2 RATs will play a much bigger part in our testing response but will still be utilised alongside PCR tests.

RATs return results faster than the PCR test. This is critical in managing the highly transmissible Omicron variant. A RAT result is typically available around 20 minutes from when the analysis begins.

RATs are most accurate at detecting COVID-19 when a person’s viral load is high and they are most infectious.

The use of RATs will enable PCR testing capacity to remain available for use in key workforce protection (healthcare), surveillance (at the border) and diagnostic (hospitals and acute care) settings.

Under the public health response RATs will be used to support those that need them the most - our priority populations and the critical workers that keep the country going and underpin our wellbeing.

Vaccinated asymptomatic critical workers who are close contacts will be able to access RATs under the Close Contact Exemption Scheme which will allow businesses to maintain minimum staffing levels in the event of high numbers of absenteeism.

RATs are free under the public health response, noting that criteria will apply where they are used.

It’s still important to keep up with the basic healthcare prevention measures – stay home if you’re sick, get a booster (you can now get one if it’s been three months since your second shot), wash your hands, wear your mask, scan in and maintain social distancing where possible.

You should only get a COVID-19 PCR test if you feel unwell or if you are a close contact because we need to make sure PCR testing is focused on people who really need it Access

The Healthcare and Emergency Service Workforce including those who work in District Health Boards, GPs, Pharmacies, Aged Residential Care facilities, Police, Corrections, FENZ and Managed Isolation Quarantine Facilities who have been identified as a close contact and need a test to go to work will be given RATs by their employer.

Priority populations, who are at heightened risk when symptomatic, will be able to get a supervised RAT from their GP or community provider, who will record the results.

Asymptomatic critical workers who are fully vaccinated, have been identified as a close contact and need a test to go to work can get RATs from a collection site listed on Healthpoint as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.

Asymptomatic unvaccinated people aged over 12 years and three months who are travelling domestically with a transport company that requires testing of unvaccinated individuals, and asymptomatic unvaccinated people attending a court of law can access a supervised RAT test from a participating community pharmacy listed on Healthpoint.

Newly arrived vaccinated New Zealanders and eligible travellers from Australia will be provided with a pack of RATs on arrival (from 27 February), for testing while in self-isolation.

Businesses may also choose to use their own private supplies of RATs with their workers.

Close Contact Exemption Scheme Fully vaccinated workers who fall under the ‘critical services’ category and are an asymptomatic close contact will be eligible for a RAT under the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.

More information here - https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/close-contact-exemptionscheme/ Priority Populations Priority populations are groups that have experienced adverse impacts or are considered at higher risk of the effects from COVID-19 outbreaks in New Zealand.

During the COVID-19 outbreaks, these groups experience poorer outcomes, higher death rates and increased health, economic and social inequities.

Community providers have been a critical part in responding to COVID-19 outbreaks. They have demonstrated that they are essential in delivering local and regional approaches that reach priority populations.

Free supervised RATs have been pre-emptively placed with community providers who will work with priority populations, to support them with testing.

There is more information here.

Usage How to perform a RAT will vary depending on the brand of RAT. To ensure you get the most reliable result it is highly recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Further instructions, including video tutorials are here. (under ‘Approved RATs and how to use them).

All RAT kits should be kept out of reach of young children and stored safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Recording results If a result is not detected (negative) and the worker is asymptomatic they can go to work If a result is failed or indeterminate the worker must complete a new RAT (the timeframe of this second test is within the manufacturer’s instructions) and report the result. Alternatively, they can get a PCR test.

After testing critical workers should record their result in My Covid Record, as well as advise their employer. If the critical worker cannot access My Covid Record then they should call 0800 222 478 and they will be able to support the critical worker with recording their results.

Supply and Stock availability Distribution of RATs is managed by the Ministry of Health to ensure necessary storage and handling protocols are maintained.

RATs can be ordered by COVID response organisations, including District Health Boards, GPs, Pharmacies, Aged Residential Care facilities, Police, Corrections and Managed Isolation Quarantine through the Ministry’s ordering portal.

There are currently eleven different types of RATs kits approved for use in a NZ setting.

The Ministry has been placing orders at least weekly since October 2021, and the quantities ordered have increased substantially since early December.

The Ministry is sourcing from, or in discussions with, suppliers for most of the approved RATs and are working through accrediting several more.

We have been building stocks for some time now but are competing in a global market.

Some businesses already use RATs for their own operational purposes and have stock available.

Any authorised user, which includes businesses, can import an approved test, but the reality is that because the global supply market is so tight availability will be an issue, at least in the short term.

Further support and information For more information on using RATS (links Guidance brochures) For more information on RATS Rapid antigen testing | Ministry of Health NZ For more information on the response to Omicron Omicron in the community: what this means for you | Ministry of Health NZ

For more information on returning to work Testing and isolation requirements for businesses during Omicron — business.govt.nz