The New Zealand government has announced to make rapid antigen tests and medical masks free to access due to the surging wave of Omicron infections.

As per reports, the recently announced new regulations include the provision of free medical masks, increasing access to antiviral drugs to people above 75 years, and free test kits of rapid antigen, even if people do not have any symptoms.

Previously, only those who had symptoms of infection or were exposed to it were allowed for the tests. The increased access to antivirals indicates that nearly 10 per cent of the population will be eligible in comparison to the previous 2 per cent. Free P2 or N-95 will be available for anyone considered to be clinically vulnerable along with standard masks for everyone.

Ayesha Verrall, Minister of Covid Response, New Zealand stated that these measures are simple yet most effective, and if followed, can reduce the illness burden along with the burden on the country’s health system.

According to credible sources, masks and rapid antigen tests can be collected from community providers like regional pharmacies, testing salons, marae, and many others.

Reportedly, the measures come as New Zealand reckons with a surge in Omicron infections with 11,382 infected cases, 765 hospitalised people, and 23 fatalities.

Notably, the number of hospitalised people is a concerning factor for the administration as it has come along winter season, that makes it hard for the health system to handle the inflow of winter illnesses.

Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, Director General of Health, claimed that if the current trajectory continues, it will rise to nearly 1200 hospitalisations per day.

Ashley mentioned that the country’s entire health system is under deep pressure and if everyone does their bit, it can pass the winters without trouble.

The government is hoping to bring down the hospitalisation numbers and curb the infections with the latest measures without bringing in strict policies like putting limitation on gatherings, school closures, vaccination requirements and others.

Source Credits: - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/14/new-zealand-free-masks-covid-rapid-antigen-tests-omicron-wave