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A new variant of Covid-19 called FLiRT has begun to spread in New Zealand.
photo: 123 RF
New Zealand could see a “massive” wave of coronavirus infections as winter arrives, a virus modeller says.
one New variant of Covid-19, called FLiRThas begun to spread around the island.
Professor Michael Plank from the University of Canterbury said it looked like FLiRT, sometimes called FLip, was contributing to the rise in COVID-19 cases internationally, and there were signs that was starting to happen in New Zealand too.
He told reporters that the number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus has “increased rapidly” in the past few weeks, with about 240 people currently hospitalized with the virus, up from 120 a few weeks ago. Checkpoints.
“It’s rising pretty quickly, which does suggest we’re heading for a significant wave.”
At the same time, Plank said, levels of the coronavirus detected in wastewater testing had “increased dramatically.”
have 6,146 new coronavirus cases reported in the past week – Almost double the 3,922 cases reported the previous week.
FLiRT is closely related to the JN.1 subvariant, which caused the outbreak that hit New Zealand over Christmas.
There is no indication that the subvariants cause more severe illness or different symptoms, but they appear to be more contagious than earlier forms of the virus.
Plank said it was “bad timing” because Flu season begins in New Zealandthis wave may peak in June or July.
“The timing is a little worrisome because The hospital is always busy at this time of year Now we have added Covid to the factor,” he said.
Professor Michael Plank of the University of Canterbury.
photo: Provided.
“This could put considerable strain on our health care system.”
The good news, Plank said, is that the vaccines may still be “really effective” against the new subvariants.
He encouraged everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations, including flu shots and COVID-19 booster shots if they are eligible.
He said people over 30 can get a free booster shot if they have not been vaccinated or had the virus in the past six months.
“It is indeed a good idea to get a timely booster shot to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in the coming winter.”
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