Information to manage suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in primary care.
Last updated: 8 April 2022
On this page:
- Primary Care Quick Reference Guide
- Questions and answers for primary health care workers
- Testing Operational Guidance for General Practice
- COVID-19 Community Response Framework
- Funding for investigation and treatment of long COVID in primary care
Health workers can download the Āwhina app to stay up-to-date on the latest information relevant to COVID-19 and the health and disability sector.
Primary Care Quick Reference Guide
The Primary Care Quick Reference Guide is a summary of information for community healthcare providers involved in assessing and managing undifferentiated respiratory illness and queries regarding COVID-19 risk and need for testing (including general practice, community pharmacy, Hauora Maori and urgent care providers).
See also: Case definition and clinical testing guidelines for COVID-19
Latest changes in the interim guide:
- Changes to clinical and PPE advice to fit traffic light system
- Updated testing guidance
Download the guide
- Primary Care Quick Reference Guide (Interim) - (PDF, 261 KB)
- Primary Care Quick Reference Guide (Interim) - (Word, 304 KB)
- Added 31 December 2021
Questions and answers for primary health care workers
Testing Operational Guidance for General Practice
People presenting to GPs with symptoms should receive a clinical assessment regardless of the test provided (RAT or PCR). The appropriate type of test will depend on the individual and their personal circumstances and those of their household/whānau, and will need to be guided by clinical discretion. The testing principles provided in this guidance are intended to guide general practices.
- Testing Operational Guidance for General Practice (PDF, 194 KB)
- Testing Operational Guidance for General Practice (Word, 246KB)
- Added 11 March 2022
COVID-19 Community Response Framework
The COVID-19 Community Response Framework provides some guidance and considerations for primary care, community-based health services, residential care, community pharmacy, maternity, population health services and ambulance services.
The Framework has been updated following the introduction of the Government traffic light system on 3 December 2021. It recognises that 100 percent of the health workforce and almost 90 percent of the country are vaccinated against COVID-19.
It is important that health services continue to be delivered at all levels, with the least restrictions and in a safe environment.
Get full details on the COVID-19 Community Response Framework page.
Funding for investigation and treatment of long COVID in primary care
Funding for the treatment and investigation of long COVID in primary care settings is being funded in the same way as other medical conditions and emergencies. Once the acute phase of the COVID-19 infection is over, any longer-term symptoms which continue or develop beyond six weeks from diagnosis should be managed in the same way as other long-term conditions.
More information: Long COVID: Funding for primary care