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Covid-19: Here is where you can get tested or vaccinated in Christchurch

Thursday, 28 October 2021

Queues at a Covid-19 testing station in Orchard Rd, near Christchurch Airport, stretched about a kilometre on Thursday morning after news of two new cases in the city.
Queues at a Covid-19 testing station in Orchard Rd, near Christchurch Airport, stretched about a kilometre on Thursday morning after news of two new cases in the city.

Testing and vaccination sites are open across the Christchurch and seeing a surge in visitors as the city awoke to news that two people – both from the same household – have tested positive for Covid-19.

The Ministry of Health confirmed both cases early on Thursday morning and Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the pair, a woman in her 50s and a man in his 40s, live in Bishopdale.

The woman had travelled to Auckland on a childcare exemption for five days before returning from Auckland on October 15, and tested negative before departing Christchurch and before returning.

A Covid-19 testing station on Pages Rd, Christchurch was busy on Thursday after news of the two new cases in the city.
A Covid-19 testing station on Pages Rd, Christchurch was busy on Thursday after news of the two new cases in the city.

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Nine locations of interest were released by the ministry on Thursday afternoon. Anyone who has visited those locations at the specified times were asked to self monitor for covid-19 symptoms for 14 days and get tested if symptoms arise.

Christchurch has two community-based testing centres that opened at 9am on Thursday.

The first is at 174 Orchard Rd, near the airport, while the second is at 250 Pages Rd, Wainoni, at the Whānau Ora Community Clinic. Both are walk-in testing sites and no booking or referral is required.

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There are two community-based Covid-19 testing centres in Christchurch: 174 Orchard Rd, near the airport, and 250 Pages Rd, Wainoni.
There are two community-based Covid-19 testing centres in Christchurch: 174 Orchard Rd, near the airport, and 250 Pages Rd, Wainoni.

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Orchard Rd will remain open later on Thursday afternoon and the Canterbury health board has brought in extra staff to deal with the increased demand.

Local GPs can also do Covid-19 tests. Details of which GPs are offering testing can be found on the Healthpoint website and the Canterbury DHB says people should call ahead.

The Canterbury DHB says people feeling unwell should firstly contact their GP. The Ministry of Health says anyone with cold, flu or Covid-19 symptoms should get a Covid-19 test.

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel has also urged people to get tested if they have symptoms.

“The Auckland experience shows just how quickly Delta can spread,” she said. “Nobody wants to see that happening here, so please do the right thing and get tested no matter how mild your symptoms are.”

Details of where to get a vaccination are available on this Canterbury DHB website. It lists all clinics available and whether they do walk-in vaccinations. Stuff has provided a list below of all vaccination clinics in Canterbury that are accepting walk-ins.

More than 2500 extra slots have been laid on for people to get vaccinated in Christchurch on Thursday.

Several chain stores – including some Bargain Chemist, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem pharmacies – are offering walk-in vaccinations.

Local bus operator Metro are allowing people to travel for free on their services if they are heading to a vaccination.

From 1.30pm to 7.30pm there will be a drive-through vaccination centre open at Christchurch Arena, with no booking required.

People with a disability, impairment or long-term health condition who want a more accessible vaccination can get information from the Canterbury DHB here.

Walk-in vaccinations are available in Christchurch at the following locations:

Source: Canterbury District Health Board