As New Zealand experiences the fifth wave of Covid-19 with related deaths rising, WellSouth is reminding the Southern community about how to stay well, to support whānau and plan for the festive season. 

WellSouth primary health network clinical director doctor Carol Atmore said people who are older, or who have other health problems are most vulnerable to getting very sick from Covid-19.

“Many of these people who catch Covid-19 are much more likely to become very unwell, or suffer from Long Covid.

“We have seen increasing numbers of deaths in the last three weeks as a consequence of this.”

Dr Carol Atmore. PHOTO: Supplied 

She advised people to think about the timing of the latest wave with the coming season where families, friends and workmates would be getting together.

“Think about how you hold your end-of-year parties, so you don’t give your team Covid as a pre-Christmas present, and how to keep well and support loved ones during this time.”

Carol said if it is more than six months since your last booster or your last Covid infection, and you are on the list below* of those who may benefit from another dose, please think about getting a further Covid-19 booster to protect yourself and the community.

Carol said anyone who felt unwell should stay at home and encouraged anyone who planned to visit someone in hospital, or in rest homes to wear a mask and don’t stay too long.

Anyone who is sick should delay their visit.

Also people should think about end of year parties, and wearing a mask when indoors in crowded and poorly ventilated places.

*People who are up to date with Covid-19 boosters, who are most likely to benefit from another dose in late 2023 include: anyone aged 75 and older, Māori and Pacific people aged 65 and older, people aged 16 and older who are severely immunocompromised, people aged 30 to 74 with significant complex health needs that increase the risk of frailty (e.g. those living in residential care and those with long term medical conditions).

See Immunisation Advisory Centre’s Covid-19 vaccination guidance for late 2023.