New Zealand authorities are investigating a new COVID-19 saliva test that would take some of the discomfort out of the process and be a game changer for border staff.
It's touted as a less-invasive method than the PCR test - which is used in New Zealand - where a person's throat or nose is swabbed.
The saliva test is already being used in Hong Kong and in the United States, and New Zealand scientists are working to get it operating locally too.
"There is a lot of testing that is needed, rigorous testing, precision testing, accuracy testing to be done before anyone can actually offer [the saliva method] as a test," ESR clinical virologist Ras Smit said.
Testing widely has been a talking point in New Zealand, especially for those working at the border.
At midnight on Sunday, a new mandatory testing regime began that will see all border workers tested either weekly or fortnightly.
Air crew are exempt from the new rules, but Air New Zealand chief medical officer Dr Ben Johnston says many are already being tested more often than the rules stipulate.
"Almost every day I would talk to a pilot or a flight attendant who has had multiple tests that week," he said.
He believes testing needs to be kept up at the border.
"I think testing will be a part of the job for aircrew, airport workers, managed isolation and quarantine workers for the foreseeable future, and it's likely to be a big part of air travel for the next few years."
He said the easier and quicker those tests come, the better.
"In the immediate future, saliva testing is the next most promising thing."
