New Zealand has said it will offer free masks and rapid tests as it steps up efforts to tackle a new wave of coronavirus and a record outbreak of flu that are placing increasing pressure on the country’s health care system.
Minister for COVID-19 Response Dr Ayesha Verrall noted a “significant” increase in cases of the virus in the past two weeks, with the biggest jump among people aged 65 and above. That has meant more people are being admitted to hospital.
