Australasia is a geographic region comprising Australia, New Zealand and some neighboring islands. However, the precise definition depends on whether the context is geopolitical, physio-geographic, or ecological. Today we review how New Zealand and Australia are fighting COVID-19 down under in Australasia, and discover there are some differences.
How These Two Australasian Countries Fight COVID-19
New Zealand perhaps has a more cohesive culture than Australia. Whatever the case, both countries are facing a further Omicron wave of BA.4 / BA.5 sub variants. And there warning signs their health systems may struggle to cope.
- The Spin Off confirms free masks are available at New Zealand testing centers, community centers, and at schools. In fact, the 5 million-strong population received 16 million surgical masks – and 3 million N95 ones for high risk vulnerable people – in the last two months.
- Australians, on the other hand seem to be taking a more laid back approach. Face masks are occasionally distributed to schools, but this is extremely variable. Anecdotal evidence suggests face mask wearing is far higher across the Tasman Sea in New Zealand.
The Spin Off reports a similar pattern with free rapid antigen tests. The Federal Australian government says it will not extend these for concession card holders past July 31, 2022. Meanwhile in New Zealand, availability and uptake are similar to face masks.
A Parallel Pattern Exists with Antiviral Oral Treatments
Paxlovid and Lagevrio oral antivirals are available in both countries. New Zealand provides them to higher risk groups at no cost to eligible patients. Others purchase on prescriptions or directly from drug stores. Australia also provides them to certain higher risk groups, but they need prescriptions and there is a co-payment.
Time will tell how these policies perform in the field. On July 15, 2022 CNBCTV18 announced Australia will resume support payments for casual workers, who have to quarantine due to COVID-19. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this, as a fresh wave of Omicron-driven infections swept his country.
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