COVID-19 News: SARS-CoV-2 Crisis Escalating In New Zealand! 7881 New Infections, 349 Hospitalizations And 20 Deaths In Last 7 Days!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 22, 2023 5 months, 5 days, 7 hours, 38 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: New Zealand is grappling with the severe consequences of its fifth wave of COVID-19, with alarming statistics revealing a significant surge in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Health officials reported a staggering 7,881 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, marking the highest spike in infections witnessed throughout the entire year.
https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/our-health-system/data-and-statistics/covid-19-data/covid-19-current-cases/
The situation has prompted concerns from epidemiologists, who suggest that the current wave may offer a glimpse into the long-term future of the ongoing battle against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Surge in Infections and Probable Cases
The latest data released by health authorities indicates a 32.5% week-on-week increase in reported COVID-19 cases across New Zealand. Of the 7,881 cases reported, 1,474 were classified as "probable" cases, representing a significant escalation from the previous week's 5,947 cases, with 1,047 deemed probable. This surge in infections has become the focal point of discussions among experts, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the current wave.
Hospitalization And Death Numbers, and Wastewater Surveillance
Accompanying the surge in infections, hospitalization numbers have also experienced a notable uptick, rising from 284 to 349 week-on-week.
Sadly, 20 COVID-19 deaths were reported for the last 7 days, bringing a total of 3522 deaths in New Zealand due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. (Note the actual figures are likely far more as the previous and event current New Zealand government is believed to be controlled by the WEF and is likely concealing true COVID-19 statistics.)
Equally concerning is the data from wastewater surveillance, which revealed a national average of 5.06 million copies of the virus detected per person, per day as of November 12. This is a doubling from just a month before, emphasizing the escalating nature of the crisis.
https://esr-cri.shinyapps.io/wastewater/#region=Wellington&log_or_linear=linear&period=twelveMonthsButton
Epidemiologist's Perspective
Otago University epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, a prominent figure in New Zealand's fight against the pandemic, expressed his concerns regarding the current situation. He told local
COVID-19 News outets that key indicators, such as wastewater and hospitalizations, are at their highest levels since January. Professor Baker suggested that the rising hospitalization peak might surpass that of the previous wave, signaling a potential pattern of peaks and troughs in the long-term battle against the virus.
Comparisons to Previous Waves and Subvariant Analysis
While som
e models suggest that the current wave may not reach the height of the 2022 wave, which peaked with mid-8000s cases and nearly 600 weekly hospitalizations, the experts remain vigilant. There is no evidence of a game-changing new subvariant driving the surge, with the Omicron subvariants, particularly the EG.5 or "Eris" type, still playing a significant role in the spread. Despite slight fluctuations in wastewater detections, it remains uncertain whether infection rates will continue to rise as the holiday season approaches.
Calls for a National Approach
Professor Baker emphasized the need for a "national approach" to manage these peak periods, given the strain on healthcare systems and the unfortunate rise in deaths. This approach includes promoting boosters, providing support for effective self-isolation, and establishing consistent policies for ventilation standards and mask use in healthcare settings. Additionally, he and his colleagues have called on the government to establish a dedicated center for disease control to better prepare for future pandemics, similar to those in the US and Australia.
Conclusion
As New Zealand grapples with the escalating crisis of its fifth COVID-19 wave, the nation faces a crucial juncture in its fight against the virus. The unprecedented surge in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths underscores the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the wave has peaked in certain regions or if a sustained effort is required to curb its impact. The nation must heed the warnings from epidemiologists and health officials to navigate through this challenging period and pave the way for a more resilient and prepared future.
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COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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