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18 Feb 2026 15:09
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      Home > News > Health & Safety

    Health Minister Chris Hipkins says he was blindsided by Covid-19 testing centres closing

    Health Minister Chris Hipkins says he was blindsided by Covid-19 testing centres closing


    There are reports they've been scaled down - with none open over the weekend.

    Hipkins says he'll be speaking with officials in teh next few days.

    He says there's clearly been a communication challenge that wasn't worked through well enough.

    DHBs says under alert level one, community testing centres aren't required.

    People needing a test should go to a GP or after hours clinic.

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

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