April 06, 2022
Mandates eased, risk remains for Māori
Covid restrictions have eased, but a Māori immunologist is urging Māori to be cautious.
It’s now optional for cafes to demand vaccine passes, and some job mandates have been lifted.
Dr Anthony Jordan, the clinical director for the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre, says while case numbers are starting to fall, Covid hasn’t gone away.
He says the Māori population is at greater risk of hospitalisation and death because of high rates of preexisting conditions.
“Lung conditions for example, diabetes. I would expect there is still a representation of Māori in those statistics. I think what we can do is still combat those statistics by doing everything we can to afford ourselves protection,” Dr Jordan says.
People should continue to wear masks, follow good hand hygiene, and think about where they are going and get vaccinated – booster shots..