Covid 19 coronavirus: Eastern Bay of Plenty assessment times change

The opening times of two of the eastern Bay of Plenty's fixed-site Covid-19 assessment centres are changing.

The changes affect the Whakatāne assessment centre's Saturday opening times.

Covid-19 swab test. Photo / File

Also, the Ōpōtiki centre (which was previously operating on a Tuesday and Thursday) will move to Thursday and Saturday openings, starting May 7.

The opening times for the Kawerau assessment centre remain the same.

Community Based Assessment Centre opening times in the eastern Bay of Plenty:

• Whakatāne (at Whakatāne War Memorial Hall)
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12.30pm
Closed Sunday

• Ōpōtiki (at Ōpōtiki Senior Citizens Hall) from May 7
Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm

• Kawerau (at the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre Car Park)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 2pm

Depending on patient numbers, some may have to wait to be seen.

The screening process can take up to 30 minutes per person.

If there are cars ahead of you, you may be waiting for over an hour.

Patients are advised to be prepared for this and to bring water and snacks with them.

You need to remain in your vehicle at all times.

Anyone with respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat or runny nose is eligible to be seen.

All symptoms can be with or without fever.

If you have your NHI number, please bring this with you.

If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility, please call your GP or Healthline for advice.

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website