Blood survey suggests eight previously undiagnosed cases in NZ
Blood survey suggests eight previously undiagnosed cases in NZ
Scientists have analysed nearly 10,000 blood samples to suggest there s been extremely few undetected cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand.
The study, just released online ahead of peer review, has also offered a useful new baseline for the coming mass roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine.
To build a snapshot of undetected spread around the country, the scientists searched for specific antibodies among some 9806 samples collected from New Zealand Blood Service donors aged between 16 and 88.
Antibodies play a critical role in the immune system s fight against pathogens like the coronavirus.
Covid 19 coronavirus: Blood survey suggests eight previously undiagnosed cases in NZ
21 Apr, 2021 10:45 PM
4 minutes to read
The cleaner who tested positive for Covid-19 worked on both Green and Red zone planes on the same day. Video / Mark Mitchell
The cleaner who tested positive for Covid-19 worked on both Green and Red zone planes on the same day. Video / Mark Mitchell
Scientists have analysed nearly 10,000 blood samples to suggest there s been extremely few undetected cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand.
The study, just released online ahead of peer review, has also offered a useful new baseline for the coming mass roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine.
Covid 19 coronavirus: Blood survey finds eight previously undetected cases in NZ
21 Apr, 2021 10:45 PM
4 minutes to read
The cleaner who tested positive for Covid-19 worked on both Green and Red zone planes on the same day. Video / Mark Mitchell
The cleaner who tested positive for Covid-19 worked on both Green and Red zone planes on the same day. Video / Mark Mitchell
Scientists have analysed nearly 10,000 blood samples to suggest there s been extremely few undetected cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand.
The study, just released online ahead of peer review, has also offered a useful new baseline for the coming mass roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine.
The vaccine has also been found to be 100 per cent effective against severe diseases, as defined by the CDC, and 95.3 per cent effective against severe cases of Covid-19 as defined by the FDA. However, there is still a “small proportion” of people who may get the virus. Murdoch said this is fairly typical of vaccines against any disease, as “there is no perfect vaccine”. However, effectiveness rates of the Covid-19 vaccines are “at the higher end of any vaccine we have”. While it was “not necessarily a surprise” that a vaccinated person could still contract Covid-19, it was an “uncommon event”, Murdoch said.
Press Release – New Zealand Government
The Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice.
“New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy in good shape,” Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said.
“One of our strengths has been our commitment to constantly learn and adapt.
“The next phase of the pandemic poses significant challenges, including the emergence of new variants, but it also provides us with new opportunities,” Chris Hipkins said.