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November 13, 2023
Covid surging back with Māori at risk
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On November 13, 2023
Download AudioEpidemiologist Michael Baker says a spike in cases of Covid-19 is a warning not to underestimate the severity of the disease.
Last week, Te Whatu Ora reported just over 5800 confirmed and probable reported cases, with a possibly greater number going unreported.
More than a third of cases were in Auckland and nearly 750 in Canterbury.
Professor Baker says research has indicated Māori, Pasifica and people with long term conditions were most at risk from the virus and should be most cautious.
“I mean, this is unfortunately, a disease that is having a worse impact on Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand, and also people with long term conditions as one of the big factors. So yes, it’s very important for your listeners to take precautions if they do have long term conditions,” he says.
Professor Baker says the effectiveness of New Zealand’s response to the pandemic can be seen in the excess mortality figures, which this year are 209 more deaths per million population compared with historical rates.
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