Abstract
This week marks five years since Covid-19 was first reported in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). The successful elimination strategy kept case numbers low for the first two years, followed by three years of widespread transmission with mitigation measures aiming to reduce the harms to population health. Although hospitalisations and deaths have declined substantially, Māori and Pacific peoples face disproportionate impacts, and Long Covid is an increasing health and economic burden.
Covid-19 remains our most important infectious disease and demands a proportionate response. We need an evidence-informed national plan, ongoing surveillance, regular vaccinations, and improved public health and social measures such as better indoor air quality, free RAT testing, and mask-wearing in high-risk indoor settings. Addressing hospital-acquired Covid-19 infections and Long Covid are crucial. NZ should enhance its pandemic preparedness by implementing recommendations from the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry, strengthening cooperation with Australia, and countering misinformation.