New Zealand appears to be experiencing another wave of Covid-19 infections.
The most recent data shows 5872 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the week to November 6, meaning an average of 838 new cases per day.
This is up from the week prior, which saw 3934 reported cases of Covid-19 at an average of 585 cases per day.
The true number of Covid cases is likely to be higher, given some people may not be reporting their positive test results and others may not be testing for it at all.
Recent wastewater testing data also suggests the country is experiencing an increase in cases with a spike in the amount of the Covid genome copies detected.
The true number of Covid cases is likely to be higher, given some people may not be reporting their positive test results. (Source: 1News)
The data shows an average of 2.57 million Covid genome copies detected per person per day in wastewater on October 22, rising to 4.6 million genome copies a week later. The most recent data, released on November 5, shows this rose to 5.86 million genome copies.
The recent increases in case counts and deaths suggest “a relatively small wave” of Covid-19 is happening, said Nick Jones, Director of Public Health.
“We are more likely now to see ‘non-seasonal’ waves influenced by waning immunity, and the introduction of new hybrid variants which increase the community’s susceptibility [to Covid-19],” he said.
“Te Whatu Ora is reminding everyone that additional Covid-19 booster doses continue to be available for those who are eligible.”
To boost or not to boost?
You must have had at least your first two Covid-19 vaccinations before getting a booster shot.
Covid-19 boosters are available to people aged 30 and older, as well as those aged 16-29 who are pregnant or at higher risk of severe illness.
However, Jones said the following groups are most likely to benefit from another Covid-19 booster if they’re already up to date with their booster shots:
- Anyone aged 75 or older
- Māori and Pacific people aged 65 and older
- People aged 30 to 74 with significant complex health needs
- People aged 16 or older who are severely immunocompromised
If eligible, you can get an additional booster regardless of the number of booster shots you’ve already had. However, you need to wait six months between boosters.
It’s also recommended people wait six months after their last Covid infection to get a booster.
Those who want a booster can make an appointment through the bookmyvaccine.nz website.
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