New non-invasive saliva PCR tests for Covid-19 will help New Zealand’s athletes reach their required target before departing for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
More than 1000 tests are required to fulfil pre-departure requirements, a target which will be aided by the fast, accurate and more comfortable test for athletes.
Japanese immigration also requires all athletes and support teams provide a certified negative PCR test within 72 hours before departing for the games.
The Olympic Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8, while the Paralympics start on August 24 and conclude on September 5.
As an official supplier for New Zealand’s Olympic and Paralympic Teams this year, and next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, Rako Science will provide the saliva tests.
“We’re delighted to have access to a fast, accurate and non-invasive test for our teams departing for Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022,” New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith said in a statement.
“We will need to process some 1000-plus tests in the pre-departure window, so we’re pleased to have Rako Science to help us achieve these.”
The Rako Science saliva test is New Zealand’s only scientifically validated test, and its contracted medical testing laboratory has been accredited by IANZ to process the tests.
The test is PCR (not antigen), fast, non-invasive and highly accurate.
“We’re very pleased to be providing New Zealand’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes with this important development in Covid-19 PCR testing. We want them to have access to the very best in science and technology before they head off to Tokyo and Beijing,” Rako Science Director Leon Grice said.
“We want the athletes to have the best experience possible as they leave New Zealand so they can focus on representing New Zealand and achieving their Olympic dreams.”