Ayesha Verrall New Zealand World Health Ayesha Verrall New Zealand

Free masks and tests in New Zealand as health system struggles with Covid

Reading now: 922
www.rte.ie

The New Zealand government has announced free masks and rapid antigen tests as it tries to stem the spread of Covid-19 and relieve pressure on the country's health system.

The health system is dealing with an influx of Covid and influenza patients. There has been a significant jump in the number of new Covid cases in New Zealand in recent weeks and authorities are forecasting that this wave of Omicron might be worst than the first.

The hospital system is already struggling with increases in wait times and surgeries having to be cancelled. "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," Minister for Covid-19 Response Ayesha Verrall said in a statement.

New Zealand, which has a population of 5.1 million, recorded 11,382 new cases of Covid today, with a total of 68,737 currently infected with the virus.

Read more on rte.ie
The website covid-19.rehab is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.

Related News

Emmerdale Faith's health deteriorates as fans say they 'don't want her to go' - dailystar.co.uk
dailystar.co.uk
74%
359
Emmerdale Faith's health deteriorates as fans say they 'don't want her to go'
Emmerdale next week, as fans say they "don't want Faith to go" following her terminal cancer diagnosis.The fan-favourite character was recently told that her cancer had spread, with Faith due to receive palliative treatment in upcoming episodes.During a special press screening of Marlon and Rhona's wedding, due to air on August 11, 2022, the episode showed Faith talking to daughter Chas about her upcoming appointments - before her health takes a turn for the worse at the wedding reception.READ NEXT: Emmerdale fans point out major David blunder as he leaves village after nasty accidentFaith is stood at the bar of the Woolpack pub, but suddenly her vision becomes blurry - indicating that her health is deteriorating. However, she hides how she is feeling from her friends and asks son Cain for a dance, in a heartbreaking and emotional moment between the two.Since Faith was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, fans have taken to social media to praise Sally Dexter's performance - and also share that they do not want to see the character leave the soap.After Cain and Chas learnt that Faith had cancer, one fan said: "Great acting from @HordleyJeff @SallyDexterUK - Don't want Faith to go."A second added: "Poor Faith, she's trying to put on a brave front RE the cancer in front of everyone, but deep down is so heartbroken/scared about leaving her kids and family, but wants to make the most of the time left.
DMCA