Free RATs, masks for new wave
Dishing out free RAT tests and masks and wider access to Covid antivirals in pharmacies are in the plan to slow the virus’ second wave.
We’re staying in the orange level, but the Government is bringing in second boosters for over-50s and improved school ventilation in the face of a Covid wave it warns could be our biggest so far.
The moves came against the backdrop of rising Covid case numbers (11,382 yesterday) which appear to be driven by the current BA.5 strain, and a tough season with flu and other respiratory viruses that is heaping pressure on the health system.
One Ministry of Health model suggests 1200 people could be hospitalised with Covid this winter.
Waikato reported 770 new cases yesterday, with 58 infected people in the region’s hospitals, including one in intensive care and another in the high dependency unit.
‘‘There’s no question the combination of a spike in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations, the worst flu season in recent memory and corresponding staff absences are putting health workers and the whole health system under extreme pressure,’’ Covid-19 Response Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said yesterday.
After a significant increase in Covid cases around New Zealand in the past fortnight and what Verrall called a worrying jump among over-65s, extra measures were announced to help get through the winter months.
You’ll soon be able to order and grab free RATs and masks from testing stations, community providers and local pharmacies.
‘‘There is no criteria, you don’t need to be unwell or have symptoms,’’ Verrall said.
Ten million child-sized masks will be provided for year 4-7 pupils, plus up to 30,000 masks a week for other students and school staff.
Extra funding would help improve school ventilation over winter, she said.
Antiviral medication is now
available to more people vulnerable to Covid, including all over-75s and those who have previously been in ICU because of the virus.
A second Covid booster will be available to people aged 50 or over and there will be another push to lift flu vaccine uptake.
The standard advice to get vaccinated, wear a mask and isolate when sick still applies.
‘‘These are the most effective measures we have,’’ Verrall said.
‘‘They are simple but if we all do them we can lessen illness and the burden on our health system and dedicated health workers, and get through this darkest part of winter.’’
Looking at the BA.5 strain, early numbers suggest those who haven’t yet had Covid are most at risk.
In total, reinfections make up about 1% of all New Zealand’s 1.5 million confirmed Covid cases – though the true percentage will be higher, and the rate is expected to increase.
Covid in the UK, for example, is still disproportionately affecting those who sidestepped the virus until now.
As US journalist Ed Yong explains in a recent piece for The Atlantic: ‘‘About half of those in England who have been infected in the current wave are first-timers, even though they account for just 15% of the country’s population.’’