New Zealand: Questioning its strategy against Govt-19 from being a successful model in controlling the epidemic

‘S visit The delta variant for New Zealand, in addition to the Govt-19 infections, has raised questions about the effectiveness and feasibility of the “elimination” strategy. It has been used to fight the corona virus since the beginning of the epidemic. Even Chris Hipkins, the leader of this strategy in the country, went so far as to say that the new strain that first appeared in India was elevated “Big questions about the long-term future we have planned.”

One goal is needed to “eliminate” Covit-19 Severe isolation of the world – Against the so-called “mitigation” strategy, make every effort to minimize infections as soon as possible. Instead of flattening the case bend, the goal was to remove it. However, one of the key features of this approach is related to the tight border control that can only be carried out in the country. Geographical conditions of New Zealand: Two large islands surrounded by sea. Thanks to the strategy is also possible it is possible Reduced population – About 5 million people – and basically, it is Rich country: Jacinta Order’s government immediately launched economic support programs for companies and independent workers, suspended mortgage loans, and low-income families received modems to access the Internet. Concluding remarks: New Zealand has so far had to mourn 26 people from COVID-19 due to the epidemic.

But last week’s reports Chris Hipkins Finding outbreaks in the city of Auckland, which ended without epidemics for six consecutive months, they opened all the questions: Will the delta variation affect the model country strategy? The expert said it was very difficult to control the infectiousness of the delta type, which in turn called into question the strategy for complete elimination of the virus. “The magnitude of the epidemic risk and the speed at which the virus spreads keeps our health system tight despite all the best products in the world.”Told the network TVNZ. “I mean, all the security we have now They seem less adequate and less solid. As a result, we are very careful about what else we can do there. At some point we need to start more openly. “

Earlier this month, as delta diversity spread across Southeast Asia, Prime Minister Jacinta Arden announced the reopening of borders despite continuing their removal strategy: “This will be a prudent approach. We can’t say there will be zero cases, but when something appears in our community, we will crush it. Weeks later, cases of corona virus spread About 80% of New Zealanders have not yet been vaccinated, and Labor leader Ardern, with a majority in parliament, has decided quickly to return to harsh imprisonment. Across the country, this angered many of his critics.

Price Edwards, a political analyst at Victoria University in Wellington, said afterwards The Ordnance Government is rated differently Regarding its response to Govt-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. “This time, People are more skeptical about how the government is handling all the problems related to Govt, This is considered too slow, especially with regard to the vaccination campaign. “ Said. In fact, New Zealand has the lowest vaccination rate in the world.

However, Artern defended his strategy: “For now, everyone agrees that elimination is the strategy. We have no discussion or debate about it because it is the safest way when we vaccinate our people.”, He denied the suspicions expressed by Hipkins. However, he did not rule out the possibility that New Zealanders would eventually have to live with the virus.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has been a staunch advocate for the removal of the virus, issued comments for a strategic change this week. Thus, the new record of daily infections after registration on Saturday-1,126- Prime He stressed that increasing the rate of vaccinations and reducing hospital admissions is now a priority.. In an interview with Chain last Sunday ABC, Said prisons were no longer “a sustainable way to fight the virus.”

However, he clarified that there are restrictions They will continue until at least 70% of the population is fully vaccinated. So far one-third of Australians have received two doses.

Success or failure?

Almost a year after it was implemented, experts continue to point out that it is the best way to fight the corona virus. In April 2021, Article by The Lancet He said that Countries that have chosen to eradicate have recorded fewer deaths, better economic performance, and, in the long run, fewer controls that should only be used when an epidemic is detected. However, even without considering the last eruption recorded in August, Many experts have questioned the “deletion” approach as it puts an end to isolation from the world.

In June 2020, Oxford University Epidemiologist, Sunethra Gupta, New Zealand’s strategy is called “selfishness” Interview with Infobe. The Indian in the United Kingdom said: “This is not a standard strategy. You cannot be disconnected from the world forever. One could say that after many people in other parts of the planet have been vaccinated, they can remain isolated until the risk subsides. But I have to say, this is a pretty selfish strategy of not vaccinating your baby. ‘Well, I’m going to wait until the epidemic is over everywhere and people get immune, so the risks in my country are very low.’

However, on the other hand, considering the delta variation and recent infection evidence, the Australian epidemiologist and biologist So Hyde He argues that elimination continues to be the best approach and that the country should take advantage of its geography. “If the vaccine does not reach a very high level (more than 90% of the population), Allowing the virus to spread will have a major impact on health and the economy. ”, Responded with advice Infobe. According to her, the evolution of the infection shows evidence for the effects of COVID-19 on long-term health, which requires significant changes in current lifestyles beyond the vaccine.

“We need to make some changes in the way we live, such as increasing ventilation in public buildings. Covit-19 is caused by a virus that spreads like cigarette smoke, So it is important to clean the air with better ventilation or use portable air filters, ”he explained.

Epidemiologist Michael Baker quoted DefenderFor his part, a elimination strategy is considered necessary in the medium term, until a greater number of people are vaccinated. “In many ways, we take the time to learn more about how to manage this virus in the long run.” According to him, New Zealand could go for a repressive strategy aimed at keeping the number of cases to a minimum.

The fact is that more than a year and a half after the appearance of Covit-19 in the world, many opinions about the virus seem to have been refuted. The mortality rate, the level required to achieve herd immunity and prevent the spread of the virus, and even the possible effects on the human health of the disease, after several waves, indicate that the previous underestimation is incorrect. For now, and the backward vaccination campaign is running counter-clockwise, New Zealand authorities have to wait for the public will to comply with their administrative decisions and actions and the evolution of the virus.

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