COVID-19

Please check this page regularly, as information may change. 

Latest update: 8:30pm - 16.12.22

COVID-19 Update

As Aotearoa gets ready for summer holidays, now is a good time to remind everyone about how to stay safe from COVID-19.

Get ready by keeping up to date with your vaccinations, getting boosted if you’re eligible, keeping RAT tests nearby to test and isolate quickly at home, having masks on hand, and making a whānau plan in case anyone becomes unwell.

For tips and resources to share with whānau planning their safe-as summer, visit Have a safe-as summer | Unite against COVID-19

Testing centre closure

The final day for the Orchard Road COVID-19 Testing Centre will be Friday December 16.

After 27 months serving the population of Christchurch, the centre is closing as local pharmacies and healthcare providers are now able to manage the demand for testing and access to RAT kits in Canterbury.

Testing continues to be a key tool to help New Zealand identify, isolate and recover from COVID-19 as we all learn to live with it. COVID-19 tests are free and widely available.

  • Visit the Request RATs website to find a RAT collection point near you.
  • If you cannot leave home or there is no RAT collection site within twenty minutes of your home, you can call 0800 222 478 and a local provider will work with you to find a suitable access or delivery option.
  • PCR tests are still available from your local healthcare provider if you need one. You must phone ahead to make an appointment.

If you are not enrolled at a general practice, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you think you need a PCR test.

 

December Vaccination Events

For those in Christchurch, Te Whatu Ora’s JabberWaka will be offering vaccinations in the community over the next few weeks:

Linwood Community Arts Centre 

Corner Stanmore Road & Worcester Street

Tuesday 20th & Thursday 22nd December: 12pm - 5pm

Phillipstown Community Hub Vaccination Clinic 

39 Nursery Rd, Phillipstown

Wednesday 21st December, 10am – 2pm

 

Kaiapoi Central Park & Ride Vaccination Event 

Next to New World on Charles Street

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December, 10am - 4pm

What you need to know

Purapura Whetu continues to operate under as below:

  • We are accepting new referrals.
  • Our sites at 166 St Asaph Street, 160 Woodham Road and the Phillipstown Community Hub are open, as well as our Māui Clinic.
  • Our staff can support whānau via face to face, phone, and video calling.
  • Our free helpline 0800 4 WHETU is available Mon to Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.

If you visit our sites, please follow these guidelines:

  • Stay at home if you are unwell and get advice from your GP or Healthline.
  • Sign in and out of our sites.
  • Practice good hygiene - wash your hands regularly, cough and sneeze into your elbow.

Other useful information:

Māui Clinic @ South City

0800 maui vax

COVID-19 Vaccine Centre

To make a booking for you and your whānau to be vaccinated against COVID-19,
- Call our free 0800 number (0800 MAUI VAX - 0800 6284 829)
- Book online at: bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz

The clinic is located in South City Shopping Centre, Shop 15, 555 Colombo Street, Christchurch.

Māui Clinic @ South City is a collaboration between Purapura Whetu and the CDHB (Canterbury District Health Board). 

Stories from the community

Memphis & Brooklyn

Memphis and Brooklyn recently received their 2nd COVID 19 vaccination at the Maui clinic in South City, the boys chose to get the vaccination so they could feel safer and hopefully avoid another lockdown. They initially felt a little anxious about receiving their second shots, but found the process smooth and the experience positive.

Wendy


Wendy chose to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at a marae clinic to help protect her whānau, and explains what the vaccination experience was like for her.

Trish


Trish got vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect herself as a vulnerable person living with asthma, and those she comes into contact with through her everyday work.