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Covid cases, rules, and free stuff: What you need to know

Women in scrubs and mask

29 May 2024

RNZ.

Heading into winter, Covid-19 is making headlines thanks to new variants and an increase in case numbers.

Virus levels in wastewater were the highest they’ve been since December, 2022, according to national surveillance data for the week ending 19 May. And close to 40 people a day were being admitted to hospital with the disease.

Earlier this month, we looked at the rise of a subset of variants referred to as “FLiRT”. Descended from JN.1, these new lineages accounted for just over 40 percent of all Covid viruses sequenced from waterwater, according to the latest Environmental Science and Research (ESR) data.

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.