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Continued mitigation needed to minimise the high health burden from COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Abstract

This viewpoint article reviews the past, current and potential continuing health impact of COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand. It aims to identify the optimal response to this pandemic as it transitions to being an endemic infectious disease. It also considers how we can build pandemic preparedness nationally and internationally based on lessons from COVID-19, particularly as it is experienced by the most affected groups. In addition, it addresses questions about the relative effectiveness of the New Zealand response to date, the stringency of control measures and the factors associated with excess mortality during the pandemic.

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