Epidemiologist Michael Baker also recommended people get their second vaccine dose after three weeks rather than six
New Zealanders who have managed to escape coming into contact with Covid-19 should ready themselves to encounter it by Christmas, a leading epidemiologist has warned, as the country ramps up its vaccine rollout.
The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on Monday that the ambitious elimination strategy would soon be phased out as vaccination rates increase. The move has caused some alarm among experts, who warn that a change in strategy and a loosening of restrictions while the vaccination rates are still low could disproportionately affect communities who are vulnerable to the virus, including Māori and Pasifika.
