Pandemic will take months to contain - diseases expert

2-3 minutes

An infectious disease expert believes it will be months yet before the Covid-19 pandemic is contained.

Photo: AFP

Dr Siouxsie Wiles, from Auckland University, is applauding the government's strict new border controls, saying they are exactly what's needed to limit the spread of the virus in New Zealand and the Pacific.
Wiles said the whole world is taking a hit economically but this is the right decision because if the country doesn't act now, the outbreak will hit the economy even harder.
She said people should prepare for these measures being in place for some time.
"I cannot see countries like the US and UK getting Covid-19 under control in 16 days - it's just not going to happen.
"So we are in this for the long-haul."

Dr Siouxsie Wiles. Photo: supplied

Dr Wiles said some other countries are just not doing enough, fast enough, to contain the virus.
Professor Michael Baker, a professor of public health at Otago University, says the increase in measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 entering New Zealand signals a real commitment to putting public health at the top of the government's priorities.

Professor Michael Baker. Photo: Supplied

He said the border restrictions announced yesterday greatly strengthen the 'keep it out' component of the country's pandemic plan.
Baker said now what is needed is strengthening of the 'stamp it out' part of the plan, which includes ramping up services to test and diagnose cases so they can be isolated.

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