The Canterbury District health Board is reminding Christchurch residents who show any signs of Covid19 to stay home if they’re sick.

People are being reminded to call their own GP and use the tracing App and check in when they’re out and about.

A spokesman told Chris Lynch the CDHB is monitoring the demand for COVID-19 tests in Canterbury and if it increases significantly it would consider additional clinics.

“You should contact your GP first if you are unwell and they will likely be able to offer you testing.”

If this is not available you can attend a testing centre instead.

You will only be tested for COVID-19 at a testing centre – they won’t do a health assessment, so it is important that if you are unwell and need to see a doctor or be assessed, you should contact your GP team as normal.

You do not need a referral to attend a testing centre. You can drive-up or walk-in. Testing is free, unless you require a test for travel overseas (see below).

COVID-19 Community Based Testing Centres

• Orchard Road CBAC (near Airport), 174 Orchard Road, (Off Harewood Road), Christchurch. Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week until further notice. (Walk-in/no referral required).

• Whānau Ora Community Clinic CBAC (Wainoni), 250 Pages Road, Wainoni, Christchurch. Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week. (Walk-in/no referral required)

• Ashburton Hospital site CBAC – 28 Elizabeth Street, Ashburton hospital site, Open 10am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only. (Walk-in/no referral required)

No on-demand or walk-in COVID-19 testing is being carried out at Christchurch Hospital.

If you require a test before travel overseas you need to contact your General Practice or an Urgent care facility to book an appointment for this. You need to book the test within the timeframe required by the country you are travelling to (usually 3-5 days before travel) and with enough time for the result to come back (usually 48 hours). You will be charged for this test. Costs may vary. The testing centres are not able to perform travel tests because they are unable to take payment onsite.

More information about COVID-19 testing is available on the Unite Against COVID-19 website