Because most New Zealanders are already vaccinated, the government dropped its zero-COVID policy, a public health initiative that suppresses the spread of the virus through public health measures and a sustained containment phase.
However, because of the new strain of Covid-19, called Omicron, the number of cases increased drastically. Additionally, the elderly population is most at risk of this strain.
According to the Health Ministry Data, from July 10 to July 16, deaths from the Covid-19 virus reached 151. Last July 22, the ministry reported that 26 people died from the virus in the last 24 hours. These casualties are all aged over 60.
Is the Omicron Variant the Culprit of Increased Death Rate in NZ?
The population in New Zealand is around 5.1 million and as of July 25, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country is 60,935. Since the first New Zealand case, around 1.5 million have already recovered and 1,396 have succumbed to the virus.
Although New Zealand has been able to respond well to the virus since last year, this new variant, together with the recent Monkeypox virus, has made it harder for the government to control the spread of these diseases. As of today, there have been two confirmed Monkeypox cases in the country.
Unite Against COVID-19
Emergency departments, general practices, and medical services are reported to be under pressure nowadays. According to Education Ministry Chief Iona Holsted, avoiding public gatherings and mandating the use of facemasks are still helpful in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
In the country, there is a movement called “Unite Against Covid-19”. This initiative offers free rapid antigen kits and face masks to the community. To learn more about this NZ Covid-19 response, you can click here.
GP: The Place to Manage Covid-19 Cases
General practitioners can explain to the community the isolation rules better when it comes to contracting the Covid-19 virus. Although these rules are complicated, following them can improve the cases in the country today.
In case of a positive Covid-19 result, patients would tend to step back due to certain concerns, such as the following:
Concern about the lack of access to isolation facilities
Anxiety about the nature of the virus
The cost of entering an isolation facility
According to the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP), the best persons who can help patients understand the importance of isolation and how it can reduce the spread of the virus include the general practitioners.
During this time of the pandemic, the role of a general practitioner is crucial not just in mitigating the spread of the virus but in helping the community, especially the elderly, recover as well. If you wish to work in New Zealand and provide your services to New Zealanders, Medical Recruitment can guide you. Here, we can help you find the most competitive short-term and locum job opportunities while considering your goal to improve the general practice and provide high-quality services.
Since 1986, Medical Recruitment has been specialising in GP recruitment, thus, consultants from the company have expert knowledge in the space. If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to work as a permanent or locum GP job or even for a GP role after hours, then look no further - get in touch with our Recruitment Consultants now.
