News

A new study showing pregnant women are more at risk from Covid-19 is a reminder of the need for expert health care, a New Zealand women's health expert says.

The study published today in the British Medical Journal showed pregnant women were at a higher risk from the effects of Covid-19 and were more likely to give birth early.

Close to two million women and girls have lost access to contraceptives and abortion services during the coronavirus pandemic, with experts predicting the disruption could trigger a "baby boom" in parts of the globe.

The Waitematā, Auckland, and Counties Manukau district health boards have activated their Covid-19 resurgence plans, and are postponing outpatient appointments and elective surgeries.

Some planned care will be done by phone or online instead, and urgent or emergency care will still be provided as normal.

Ms Ardern said they were not mandating the use of masks "at this stage" but are actively encouraging their use in Auckland. 

Jacinda Ardern has laid out Cabinet's plan this morning for if Covid-19 manages to slip through the border and break out in the community.

Speaking at Parliament, she said if community cases emerged, the government would impose restrictions locally or regionally in the first instance, rather than nationwide.

Fay Selby-Law interviewed by Waatea News about MoU signing between Hāpai Te Hauora and The Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC)

Listen to the interview here