‘A tough few weeks ahead’ – Verrall
A spike in Covid-19 hospitalisations, almost 100 more than a day ago, has Ministry of Health officials wary of a growing second wave.
The ministry yesterday reported 7461 community cases, bringing the seven-day rolling average of community case numbers to 9000.
There were 662 people in hospital, up almost 100 on Saturday’s 570. Thirteen people are in intensive care. Eight deaths with the virus were reported, all within the past two days.
A ministry spokesperson said there had been a ‘‘significant increase’’ in the number of Covid19-positive hospitalisations at the weekend.
‘‘We know there will also be increased demand for primary and community care services as Covid-19 cases increase.’’
The ministry spokesperson said the spike in hospitalisations was a good reminder to stay home if you are unwell and to do the ‘‘basics’’ to protect others.
‘‘Everyone should use a mask where required and especially where they may be in contact with vulnerable people.’’
On Saturday, 9307 new community cases were reported. A further 22 people with the virus died. All the deaths had occurred during the past week.
Covid-19 Response Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall has warned of a challenging period dealing with a second wave. ‘‘We are in for a tough few weeks ahead.
‘‘Cases will continue to rise. There will be a lot of pressure on the health system, which is why we are asking everyone to mask up, get vaccinated, including for flu, and get boosted,’’ Verrall said.
While cases and hospitalisations are creeping up, the threat of reinfection is also looming. Of the new cases reported on Saturday, 333 were reinfections. Reinfections are cases in an individual who reported a case 29 or more days previously.
Otago University (Wellington) epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said it appeared another wave was beginning.
‘‘While we are waiting for better vaccines, vaccine immunity is waning and Covid-19 is getting better at evading immunity,’’ he said.
University of Canterbury professor and Covid-19 modeller Michael Plank said the rise of the subvariant BA.5 meant it was possible case numbers could peak at more than 20,000 each day, just like the first Omicron wave in March.
What was more concerning about this wave compared with the one in March was the age group being infected who were ‘‘much, much older’’ than in the first Omicron wave, he said.
‘‘Deaths and hospitalisation potentially could be higher because of that age demographic.’’