Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield has a stern message for people who don't like wearing their masks as the country nears its predicted COVID-19 peak.
Modelling shows the peak in cases will be sometime in the second half of July and the peak in hospitalisations a week later.
Dr Bloomfield said hospitalisations could hit 1200 beds occupied if nothing changes in terms of mask use, delivering a plea to those opposed to wearing them.
"If any of you people out there are not wearing a mask because it's a bit of a hassle or uncomfortable, I just want you to think of our health and disability workers who are wearing masks day in, day out, during their entire time at work while they are dealing with this pressure," he said.
"My plea to you is if they can do it, then you can do it."
He said the public health measures in place and actions of us all will make all the difference in helping vulnerable community members, our health sector, our businesses and economy.
Modelling shows if changes are made in limiting exposure to the virus, such as wearing masks, the peak in hospitalisations is predicted to fall by around 250 to 950 beds occupied. This will make a huge difference to healthcare workers already under pressure with 765 COVID hospitalisations reported today.
Dr Bloomfield said correctly wearing an appropriate mask such as a surgical or N95 mask can reduce your chance of infection by at least 50 percent.
"If everyone does their bit we will get through winter," Dr Bloomfield said.
"It's a very tough winter for our frontline staff, we know that, and my plea to you is, for everybody in New Zealand, to do your bit for this next period of time, a couple of months to just help us get through winter."
