HealthInfo Canterbury
FAQs about asymptomatic COVID-19 testing
Asymptomatic testing is when you're tested for COVID-19 but don’t have any of the symptoms commonly seen in COVID-19. Asymptomatic testing is only done to certain groups of people and is directed by the Ministry of Health and Public Health Units.
It's used in groups where there's a higher risk of having COVID-19. It can pick up the small number of cases that don't develop symptoms or are in the early stages of the infection. It's used alongside infection prevention measures to keep you, your whānau/family and community safe.
Who should have asymptomatic testing?
- Anyone who the Ministry of Health or Community & Public Health has asked to be tested.
- Close contacts and some casual contacts of people who have COVID-19. See Self-isolation after COVID-19 testing for details of what a close contact and casual contact are.
- People who've travelled overseas and are staying in managed isolation facilities.
- International flight crew who've travelled to high-risk areas.
- People who work at the border. This includes:
- airport staff who come into contact with international arrivals
- maritime staff who come into contact with international vessels, crew and cargo
- managed isolation and quarantine facility staff.
People who work at the border will be told by their employers how they can be tested and how often they should be tested.
Members of the public usually don't need asymptomatic testing. But the Ministry of Health may sometimes ask for a sample of people to be tested. This is to let them know if there's any undetected spread in the community. This is known as community surveillance.
Do I need to self-isolate after asymptomatic testing?
Testing category |
Self-isolate? |
Self-isolation details |
|---|---|---|
Community surveillance |
No |
|
Border staff |
No |
|
International flight crew |
Yes |
Self-isolate until you receive your test result. |
Casual contacts of COVID-19 cases |
Yes |
Self-isolate until you receive your test result. |
Close contacts of COVID-19 cases |
Yes |
Self-isolate for 14 days from your last contact with the case. If your result is negative, repeat the result on day 12. |
See the Ministry of Health advice about self-isolation.
Important
Everyone, including border workers, should have a COVID-19 test if they develop cold or flu symptoms. You should also stay away from work if you have these symptoms.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created August 2020.
See also:
Review key: HICOV-710714
