Covid Watch

New research suggests gastritis is on the rise- and it may be an underdiscussed aspect of long Covid. Gastritis describes a condition that causes stomach lining to become red, swollen and inflamed.  Naturopath, wellness expert and Golden Yogi's Erin O'Hara explained that gastrointestinal conditions have been flaring up after people have gotten Covid-19, including peptic ulcer diseases, GERD and acute pancreatitis. Erin O'Hara recommends getting a specialist's opinion, sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sugar hit many businesses received during the pandemic is starting to wear off. Company liquidations are on the rise again as the Covid-related protections that once shielded businesses are subsiding. Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association chair Kare Johnstone says the number of liquidations from the first quarter of 2023 is 265, up 29 percent from early 2022. "While liquidations are on the increase, if we just have a look at that same period for pre-pandemic levels, we're actually still sitting at under the liquidations low at 31 percent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's headed towards its fourth winter since the Covid-19 pandemic was introduced. Mask mandates and lockdowns are a thing of the past, meaning the virus is more likely to spread through the wider community in 2023. Most people recover within days or weeks, but what happens to the percentage of people who will suffer from long Covid? Wellness expert Erin O'Hara says all the symptoms of long Covid are still unknown, especially since the effects vary from person to person. Erin O'Hara recommends managing your energy levels, resting when you work from home, and keeping an eye on your nutrition. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I had Covid last year, I wouldn’t have known I had it if I hadn’t tested. And the only reason I did a test was because my wife was crook and under the rules I had to test negative to keep going to work. So, no symptoms at all, but still positive. So I was in Covid prison for seven days, as well. And every day - in fact, sometimes several times a day - I would get the RATs out just to double check I did actually have it. Because I felt perfectly fine. I had a whole pile of them with the two red lines. Felt fine, but I was actually crook. And if I hadn’t tested the first time, I would’ve kept sailing around the place thinking I was Mr Healthy. And if what happened last year at our place was to happen again today, I’d still end up in Covid prison for a week because, yesterday, the Government decided to stick with the Covid isolation rules for a bit longer. Most reports I’ve seen over the past 24 hours have said the Government wants to keep them in place for a couple of months. Although one overseas media outlet is saying this morning that the isolation rules are here for the rest of the year. Either way, if you get Covid anytime soon - you’ll be expected to isolate. And I reckon the only reason the Government has done what it’s done, is because generally people are bozos and can’t be trusted to do the right thing. When I say “the right thing”, it’s no different from what “the right thing” was before Covid was around. Which was simple: if you’re sick, stay home. But we had outfits like Codral saying “soldier on”. Remember that? And ads on TV with people at bus stops looking miserable because they were full of a cold or man-flu. Feeling very sorry for themselves but “soldiering on” for the greater good. And, because we’ve still got this stupid “soldier on” mentality, even after the whole Covid thing, the Government feels it’s got no choice but to keep the isolation rules going. Remember early on in the pandemic when Sir Ashley Bloomfield stood up on TV and said “people aren’t the problem, the virus is the problem”. It was a nice line. Then. These days, though, I am in no doubt that people are the problem. How many people have you looked sideways at because they’ve been sneezing and rasping and, somehow, they’re medical experts too and they've told you “oh, it’s not Covid. It’s just hayfever”. Even without testing, they know for sure it’s not Covid. Experts apparently! Yeah, I’ve got another word to describe them. Bozos. And it’s these bozos who have a whole of other people living in fear. It’s not the Government making people scared - it’s all these selfish idiots who just want to keep on soldiering on, even when they’re full of Covid. People waiting for specialist health treatment. They’re terrified of the bozos, because if they get Covid their treatment could be off. People with respiratory conditions. They’re terrified of the bozos because if they get Covid, it could be curtains for them. Employers. Especially the ones in hospitality or retail. They’re terrified of the bozos because if Covid goes through the shop or the restaurant or the cafe, they can’t operate. And despite Sir Ashley Bloomfield’s kind words back in the day when he said people weren’t the problem, the virus was the problem - despite all that, I’m in no doubt that people are the problem, because they just can’t be trusted to do the right thing. The right thing being - if you’re sick, stay home. And because people are the problem, we are stuck with these home isolation rules and for who knows how long - because I don't see people suddenly growing brain cells and suddenly becoming less selfish than they are right now. Which is why I think the Government has done the right thing and the wrong thing. By keeping the isolation rules, it’s done the right thing - because there are so many bozos out there who only think about number one. But it’s done the wrong thing too, because, surely, we’ve reached a point where Covid has to be seen in the same light as influenza - and we don’t force people to stay home if they have the flu, despite the fact that they can a lot sicker with the flu than they’ll ever be with Covid. So, I’m disappointed that the isolation rules haven’t been scrapped but, because people are so selfish, I don't think the Government had any choice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been disappointment New Zealand isn't looking to move away from mandated Covid-19 isolation. The Government is not changing the seven-day isolation requirement for cases for at least two months. It's also asked for more work on whether testing to return to work for mild or asymptomatic cases,  would be safe. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Roman Travers this will have an impact on retailers. He believes the decision around whether to isolate or not, should be with employers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and David Farrar, Curia Pollster and Kiwiblog contributor joined in on a discussion about the following topics:  The Government has announced that they plan to keep the seven-day isolation requirement in place for the next two months. What do we think of this- will people stick to the isolation requirements? The Greater Wellington Regional Council has proposed an 18 percent rate hike to boost bus driver wages- is this an acceptable amount to make people pay? Auckland Transport has taken on a new CEO- who would be brave enough to take on this job? What do we want him to do for the public transport sector? LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says when countries move away from mandated Covid-19 isolation, it means more transmission. The Government's keeping the seven day isolation requirement for people with Covid-19 for at least the next two months. Cabinet's also asked for more work on whether testing to return to work for mild cases or asymptomatic people would be safe and effective. Health Minister Ayesha Verrall says such a scheme can be used so if a person tests negative they'd be released earlier. "Also in some places where they have this, you have to stay in isolation until you test negative, which may be longer than our current seven days." Verrall says it depends on how the mandate is structured. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cabinet is seeking advice on whether a Covid "test to work" scheme would work. Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope says that could allow some workers back sooner than seven days. "Of course, you know your employer's going to say- only come in if you're capable of working, we don't want you here if you're still, in fact feeling quite sick." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's mandatory seven-day isolation period for Covid-19 isn't changing for at least the next two months. Chris Hipkins says he expects we'll reach a point by the end of winter where Covid becomes normal and we're moving towards the virus being just another thing managed by the health system. ZB's Chief Political Reporter Aaron Dahmen says it seems that the remaining Covid-19 restrictions will be on the 'policy bonfire' come spring. LISTEN ABOVE      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might have heard Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on the Newstalk ZB this morning saying the Government will be making a carefully balanced decision on whether to scrap the mandatory seven-day isolation period for people who test positive for Covid. Cabinet will be reviewing Covid rules with an announcement expected sometime this in the near future. They're going to be basing their decision on the latest public health advice and the state of the health system heading into winter. Well, we can tell them that it's buggered, isn't it? I mean, it's pretty much stuffed. The Prime Minister told Tim Dower this morning it's a careful balancing act between the impact of people being unable to go to work and the impact of Covid spreading. The public health professionals, who we all saw rather too much of throughout Covid, have been urging the Government over the weekend to keep the few remaining restrictions in place. These being the seven-day isolation period and the wearing of masks in many spaces to protect against not only Covid, but the other dangerous respiratory illnesses doing the rounds including flu and whooping cough. And all of them were preaching the abundance of caution message, which I suppose is their job. This is what they're trained to do. To warn people about infectious diseases and try to prevent any deaths at all. I get it. I guess when it comes to the mandatory stand down period, what that did was give people who don't have flexibility or autonomy with their employers the ability to take time off. They had to. They had no choice in the matter. So many people during those awful years rang me and said they would be going to work regardless of whether or not they tested positive, because they simply could not afford to stay home. So where do you stand on this one? I imagine it will depend on whether you're an employee with a good boss and you'll say, yes, well, get rid of the mandatory period. You have somewhere where you can rest where you're not surrounded by ten other people. You've got the ability to get yourself better. But if you're someone and your income is the difference between having a roof over your head or not, and you are told to stand down for seven days. You're not going to do it, are you? You're going to drag yourself out of bed; no matter how sick you're feeling and go to work because that is what you have to do. So what's right in your opinion? Keep the mandatory stand down period for those who simply haven't got the luxury of taking time off, it has to be enforced before they can do it. Or rely on common sense?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins says the Government will be making a "carefully balanced decision" on whether to continue to scrap the mandatory seven-day isolation period for people who test for Covid. Cabinet will review Covid rules today, with an announcement expected some time this week. Ministers will be basing their decision on the latest public health advice, and the state of the health system heading into winter. The Prime Minister told Tim Dower it's a careful balancing act between the impact of people being unable to go to work, and the impact of Covid spreading. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bad news for clothing and homewares retailer EziBuy. The company has been put into administration by its Australian owners - which is likely to be the end of the line for the business. Owner Mosaic Brands says EziBuy’s sales have fallen 51 percent year-on-year in the first half of the financial year. Head of retail at Devon Funds, Greg Smith says the business had been starting to decline for some time. He explained it was profitable during the pandemic for a time, but most businesses that did well through Covid-19 are starting to fall. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a big, and welcome, Covid win for the unvaccinated carers who took the Government to court, with the court deciding the Government erred. It's not the first time the Government has lost or has been found to err in court over Covid. But this one seemed particularly egregious to me. This, in a way, goes back to the Matt Hancock scandal in Britain where his astonishing series of WhatsApp messages, as well as email and text communications, during Covid showed just what a mess the whole Government approach was. I asked at the time what sort of picture would be painted if we had the local versions available to us. The court cases that have been taken, to a very small degree, give us an insight. The family carers had their funding stopped and they were threatened with fines. The judge has found that the mandate was invalid because it was not a decision that was available to the minister on the basis of the information that was before him at the time. They hadn't originally been included in the mandates but the minister was advised to amend the order. The key was no public advice was given in the briefing to the minister as to why the amendments should be made. There was not enough information before him to make the amendment - and yet he did. Oh, by the way, the minister we refer to? Chris Hipkins. It was clearly driven by the Government's one stop shop approach. They wanted a vaccinated work force and there was no room for exceptions or subtlety. So, with a stroke of a pen the carers were out, the money was stopped and they were alienated for a year. I'm not sure whether this victory puts it right for them. They want an apology, which I would have thought was a forgone conclusion, and the Government is looking to cough the money they stopped. But it is another insight into what clearly was a frantic mess behind the scenes, where anything was accepted and they took a “we will explain later approach”. There were two broad approaches that Governments could have taken to Covid. Either lead by example and clarity and take the people with you, or bludgeon them with fear and dictate. They chose the 'Pulpit of Truth', it cost a Prime Minister her job - and they ended up in court and, on this example, lost. With the benefit of hindsight, and SME legal action, it's becoming more and more clear they made the wrong choice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Tuesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Many Detours Ahead/Post-Covid Covid/Forgetting Ardern/Can't Let Go of Fossil Fuels/This Car is Hard to BelieveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queen Consort Camilla has tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time. The royal was forced to pull out of several scheduled royal engagements following the announcement. Her conditions was previously described as a 'seasonal illness'. UK Correspondent Enda Brady says a statement from Buckingham Palace confirms Camilla is in 'good spirits' as she recovers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Makers of a new vaccine say we shouldn't be complacent about Covid boosters. Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand is working through the final stages of the pre-clinical development of VAANZ-201. It's suggesting a long immunity against all variants, and unlike the Pfizer vaccine, can be stored at refrigerator temperatures. Malaghan Institute Vaccine Alliance Executive Director Kjesten Wigg told Tim Dower vaccine protection tends to wane. It could be two or three years, before the vaccine is available for patients' arms. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pre-loved clothing business Designer Wardrobe has had to revamp their strategy to renting and selling clothes to Kiwis. Designer Wardrobe was forced to close all their physical locations by the end of 2021 due to Covid uncertainty, and the business has been operating completely online for over a year. The Covid-19 pandemic presented a fair amount of challenges for the company, but consumers are still interested in buying and renting pre-used designer wear at a reduced prices, so the business was able to thrive. Designer Wardrobe CEO Aidan Bartlett says the company had to make a lot of challenging calls during Covid, but they've come out stronger than ever. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A public health expert says New Zealand should be more worried about visitors from the U.S, as a Covid-19 super-variant surges through that country. Our Government has chosen not to follow the lead of other western nations in requiring pre-departure tests for people arriving from China. Instead, travellers are encouraged to be tested if they arrive here with symptoms. Auckland University public health associate professor Sir Colin Tukuitonga says more focus should be on the new XBB.1.5 variant prevalent in the U.S. He says it's fast-spreading and it's now causing three quarters of all cases in New Jersey, New York and New England. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The French Government have stated that they will continue to screen air travellers coming out of China for Covid-19. A French Government spokesperson has defended this decision to enforce testing requirements, as the wave of Covid cases coming out of China was a "legitimate concern" for the world and an epidemic is the last thing any country wants. This statement was made shortly after a press conference hosted by the WHO, who also criticised China for their representation and under-reporting of Covid-19 deaths. French correspondent Catherine Field confirms that the EU's Crisis Response group will work together to establish a coordinated response to testing and processing arrivals out of China, with more meetings set to proceed today. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change in China's Covid-19 policy has led to tighter travel restrictions in the US. From January, people arriving from China will need to show a negative test within two days of arrival to the US. It follows China ditching mandatory isolation for those infected with the virus. US Correspondent Richard Arnold says cases are rising rapidly there. He told Tim Beveridge that's translating to serious infection rates amongst travellers. Arnold says on a recent flight out of China half the passengers had the virus.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.