Covid-19: Cases increasing, but experts don’t expect a major outbreak

photo: Royal Bank of New Zealand

With thousands of cases reported, experts recommend “keep getting tested and stay home if you feel sick.”

The latest data shows More than 6,000 casesthe number of cases was double that of the previous week, with 314 Covid patients hospitalized as of Sunday.

The worst-hit regions are: Canterbury, Counties Manukau, Waitemata and Southland.

This country is experiencing Peak number of COVID-19 cases Professor Michael Baker told RNZ in late May the policy would be implemented from December 2022.

Kurt Krause, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Otago, said it was important to continue testing for Covid-19 so health experts knew whether the cases were a “chain reaction” or a “significant wave”.

He believes that a large-scale outbreak is unlikely.

Kurt Krause
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Case data also helps protect vulnerable groups in the community, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

The newest strains are distantly related to the Omicron variant. JN1 is the largest strain currently, and there are some minor strains that are closely related to it.

“We have been experiencing new variants and different combinations of Covid over the past three years.

“There is good evidence that the latest strain is more contagious than previous strains, but there is no good evidence that it is more dangerous than any other strain we have ever had.”

Professor Kraus said rapid antigen tests last for about a year and it was not recommended to rely on expired tests.

However, some manufacturers are finding that older products last longer than they expected.

He recommended people hold onto some stock, even though it would no longer be free after June 30.

Asked what people should do if they suspect they may have Covid but have a negative RAT test result, he said he wants to develop a culture where people stay home if they are sick.

People should stay home to protect themselves and their colleagues, and wear masks if they need to go out briefly.

“If you are sick, please stay home.”

People should also consider that they may be infected with another winter virus, such as influenza A or another respiratory virus.

“This is not just COVID.”