Another important bit of news for New Zealand athletes heading to Japan for the Olympics.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has confirmed the team will have access to saliva PCR tests for Covid-19 ahead of their departure for the Games in Tokyo.
Japanese government immigration required all athletes and staff to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of leaving for the event starting in July.
"We're delighted to have access to a fast, accurate and non-invasive test for our teams departing for Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022," NZOC chief executive Kereyn Smith said.
"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 was New Zealand's only scientifically validated test, and the company's contracted medical testing laboratory had been accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) to process the tests.
New Zealand's Olympic athletes had also been given early access to Covid-19 vaccination under the government's national significance category.