New Zealand announces free masks, tests as health system struggles with COVID

By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – The New Zealand authorities on Thursday introduced free masks and fast antigen exams because it tries to stem the unfold of COVID-19 and relieve stress on the nation’s well being system which is coping with an inflow of COVID and influenza sufferers.

There was a big bounce within the variety of new COVID circumstances in New Zealand prior to now couple of week and authorities are forecasting that this wave of Omicron is perhaps worst than the primary.

The hospital system is already combating will increase in wait occasions and surgical procedures having to be cancelled.

“There is no query the mix of a spike in COVID-19 circumstances and hospitalisations, the worst flu season in latest reminiscence and corresponding workers absences are placing well being staff and the entire well being system underneath excessive stress,” Ayesha Verrall, Minister for COVID-19 Response, mentioned in a press release.

New Zealand, which has a inhabitants of 5.1 million, recorded 11,382 new circumstances of COVID on Thursday, with a complete of 68,737 at present contaminated with the virus. Of these 765 circumstances are at present in hospital.

A one-time poster youngster for tackling the coronavirus, New Zealand’s swift response to the pandemic and its geographic isolation stored the nation largely COVID free till the top of final 12 months. The federal government, nonetheless, retired its zero-COVID coverage earlier this 12 months as soon as the inhabitants was largely vaccinated and the virus has been allowed to unfold.

Verrall mentioned whereas COVID-zero was not a risk folks did have to put on masks, to get examined and to isolate if both they or somebody of their house exams optimistic to the virus.

The federal government is making free masks and exams extra extensively accessible, permitting pharmacies to promote COVID medicines and is increasing the factors for who’s eligible for antiviral treatment.

“Now’s not the time to cease carrying masks. Proof tells us carrying a masks halves your likelihood of being contaminated with COVID-19. It additionally helps defend you towards influenza and different winter sicknesses so in the event you do not put on a masks for your self, please put on one for healthcare staff,” mentioned Verrall.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Modifying by Michael Perry)