13 Aug 2020

Waikato adding extra capacity to meet testing demand

9:57 pm on 13 August 2020

Additional Covid-19 community testing facilities are being set up in the Waikato region to cater for all those wanting to be tested.

A health worker puts a swab into a tube after collecting a sample for Covid-19 coronavirus testing in Gombak on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on April 22, 2020.

A health worker puts a swab into a tube after collecting a sample for Covid-19 coronavirus testing in Gombak on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on April 22, 2020. Photo: Mohd Rasfan / AFP

The Waikato District Health Board said in a written statement there would be new community based testing centres at Te Rapa Racecourse in Hamilton and at the Tokoroa Sport and Events Centre.

Additional mobile testing has also been scheduled for rural areas.

The DHB is encouraging people with cold and flu symptoms to seek testing while those without symptoms are asked to contact Healthline or their GP for advice before seeking a test.

  • If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre

Testing centres available from tomorrow are:

Claudelands Event Centre, Entrance Gate 3, Brooklyn Road, Hamilton, seven days a week 8am - 8pm, drive-through.

Te Rapa Racecourse, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, Friday 14 August - 10am-3pm.

Tokoroa Sport and Events Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa, Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August from 10am-3pm.

Mobile testing

Friday 14 August

  • Te Whare Oranga, 147 Harris Street, Huntly from 1-6pm
  • Meremere Library from 10am-3pm
  • Te Korowai Hauora Mobile Clinic: Waihi Marae 9-11am, then at Paeroa 1-3pm.
  • Morrinsville Event Centre, 19 Ron Ladd Place, Morrinsville from 10am-3pm

Monday 17 August:

Te Korowai Hauora Mobile Clinic: Kerepēhi Marae 9-11am, then Kaiaua 1-3pm.

All GPs are able to provide assessment and testing - please phone your practice before attending.

The number of designated GP practices (which will provide Covid-19 assessment for people who are not registered with the practice) includes:

  • Glenview Medical Centre, 1 Urlich Ave, Melville, Hamilton
  • Tui Medical Te Rapa, 26 Bryant Road, Te Rapa, Hamilton
  • Health Te Aroha, 26 Bryant Road, Te Aroha
  • Whangamata Medical Centre, 103 Lincoln Rd, Whangamata
  • Te Korowai O Hauora Thames, 210 Richmond Street, Thames
  • Mercury Bay Medical Centre, 87 Albert St, Whitianga
  • Te Kauwhata Medical Centre, 12 Main Road, Te Kauwhata
  • Raglan Medical Centre, 9 Wallis Street, Raglan
  • Te Kuiti Medical Centre, 28 Ailsa Street, Te Kuiti
  • Matamata Medical Centre, 56 Rawhiti Avenue, Matamata
  • Te Kohao Health, 951 Wairere Drive, Hamilton East, Hamilton

The DHB reminds people to call GP clinics to make an appointment before visiting.

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