COVID-19 testing staff are being subjected to widespread aggression, abuse and violent behaviour as people desperately try to get their hands on rapid antigen tests.
Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast District Health Boards' said staff at the region's community testing centres are being treated badly while they are just trying to do their job.
"Our teams are doing the best they can to administer COVID-19 tests and distribute rapid antigen tests (RATs) but, across the board, are experiencing an unacceptable level of abusive behaviour," 2DHB acting COVID-19 Response general manager Junior Ulu said.
"This is not only distressing for our teams and members of the public who witness this sort of behaviour, it compromises our ability to keep collection points running and to stand up additional capacity."
NZ Herald reported that people have struck the walls of testing centres, attempted to steal RATs and at least one assault has occurred.
The DHBs are reminding people to be "kind" and "patient" during this stressful time.
"We understand that this is a scary and stressful situation for many people, however, our staff are doing the best they can and deserve respect and kindness while they do their work," Ulu said.
There are 22,527 new cases of COVID-19 in the country today, with some lines outside testing stations reported to be around two blocks long.
Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast DHBs are urging people to only get a test if they have symptoms or live with someone who has COVID.
"Our teams will prioritise distribution along these lines, and each box contains five tests that can be used by household members," Ulu said.
"The only way through this is by working together and supporting each other."
