Covid update here and around the globe

File photo.

A Stuff analysis of Covid-19 cases detected at the New Zealand border has found pre-departure testing has made little difference in the number of detected cases.

Pre-departure testing came in on January 15 and meant that people coming to New Zealand - unless from Australia, some Pacific Island countries, or Antarctica - need to return a negative coronavirus test before taking their flight.

In the two-and-a-half months prior, the average case rate was 0.66 new cases per 1000 people in managed isolation and quarantine - MIQ. In the following two-and-a-half months, the daily rate had fallen - but only slightly - to 0.55.

News of an Australian travel bubble with New Zealand seems to have raised hopes of a travel bubble with the Cook Islands - a move prime ministers of both countries said they were working towards.

Mii Hinarere Tupangaia, president of the Hutt Valley Cook Islands Association, says some Cook Islanders she knew had already booked flights for next month, and June, to head home after a year of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Asthma NZ chief executive Katheren Leitner says some patients who were unable to wear face masks on public transport were being condemned by mask-wearing public transport users.

'We've had several approached by other passengers that are wearing masks, quite angry that they are not,” says Leitner.

Wearing a face covering during alert level 1 is mandatory in New Zealand during journeys on public transport and domestic flights but the Ministry of Health has a small number of exemptions, including children under 12, people with asthma or a disability, and conditions that make wearing a face covering unsuitable.

Global toll

The global number of cases has reached 134.7 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

There have been 2.9m deaths globally.

The United States continues to top the charts with 31.08m cases, and 561,074 deaths.

Brazil and India have the second and third most cases, with 13.37m and 13.2m infections, respectively.

What should I do?

Anyone who wants to get tested can find their local testing centres by visiting the Ministry of Health website.

If you are sick, call your GP before you visit, or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, wash your hands properly, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow and throw tissues away immediately.

Reach out, find support from people who care, connect with your community or help a neighbour in need.

You may also like....

2 comments

No surprise.

Posted on 11-04-2021 12:54 | By morepork

In some cultures, where corruption is part of the canvas, you get what you want by bribing someone. People will pay for forged test results and it was entirely predictable that they would. The "lag" of several days is also way too long. People should be tested in the Boarding Gate Lounge and allowed to board when they return a negative 15 minutes later. This is completely feasible now and, although the results are not as "deep" as a full test, they are non-intrusive (saliva), can be self administered, and certainly provide a "Yes/No" result. Considering what has been spent because of Covid, this would be a drop in the bucket, and would be much more effective than the current, easily-evaded requirements.


@morepork

Posted on 11-04-2021 16:03 | By Slim Shady

Agree. It could and should be taken further and close MIQs and open borders. But it’s never been about what is feasible or practical and accepting some small risk. It’s always been about controlling populations and people movement by all Western Governments. And still is.


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.