Published by Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā DHBs on 14/12/2021 10:56:54 AM.

SARS-CoV-2 Testing Post COVID-19 Illness  

There is no laboratory ‘clearance test’ after a COVID-19 illness. People are released from isolation when they meet agreed criteria, not on the basis of a laboratory test. 

In general SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing should not take place in the 90 days post COVID-19 infection (from initial positive test). SARS-CoV-2 viral fragments may be detected for some time after an acute illness, meaning the PCR can remain positive, but this is highly unlikely to indicate re-infection or ongoing infectivity. Workplace requirement for regular PCR testing (e.g. under current border order) will be managed through public health processes. 

If managing someone with an acute illness with COVID-like symptoms in the first 3 months after their initial COVID-19 infection: 

• It is very unlikely people will be re-infected in this time frame, unless severely immunocompromised. If there are concerns about someone who is immunocompromised, please talk to the relevant specialist involved in their care, or the Infectious Diseases consultant on call for your DHB.  
• For other people with acute respiratory illness within 90 days of the onset of their COVID-19 infection, please investigate and manage as you would for non-COVID respiratory illness; and ask them to stay home until they have been well for 24 hrs.  
• People in these situations may need documentation for work or school to enable them not to be treated as a new case. 

Testing Requirements for Travellers 

From 15 December 2021 to 17 January 2022, people can travel into and out of Auckland for any reason. However, when leaving Auckland, no matter how long people have been inside the boundary (except for those transiting through Auckland without stopping): 

• they must be fully vaccinated and have their My Vaccine Pass with them, or 
• they must carry evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before crossing the boundary. 

If people present for testing for this reason from 15th December onwards, please use the SURV-code: SURV-NZVAX. 

Rapid Antigen Testing at Community Pharmacies 

The Ministry of Health has made funded rapid antigen tests available at selected community pharmacies from 15 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. The tests will be available for travellers leaving Auckland who: 

• are unvaccinated, and 
• are over the age of 12 years and 3 months, and 
• do not have COVID-19 symptoms. 

This modality is being encouraged for unvaccinated travellers. Participating pharmacies are available on HealthPoint. PCR tests at Community Testing Centres, General Practices and Urgent Care Clinics are also acceptable and will be funded for those who are unable to access RATs in a pharmacy. 

The NRHCC are continuing to work with the Ministry of Health on the implementation of rapid antigen testing in General Practice and Urgent Care. We hope to have information to share with you shortly. 

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