Infectious diseases expert: how to prepare for the spread of coronavirus

New Zealand’s first case of Covid-19, announced on Friday, sparked a rush to buy emergency supplies at some supermarkets over the weekend, but infectious diseases expert Dr Siouxsie Wiles told Focus Live’s Will Trafford that people needed to respond responsibly.

“We can be concerned, but there is no need to panic.”

Although New Zealand has a confirmed case, Wiles said the virus was not widespread, and urged people to remain rational and look out for one another.

“What we really need to think about is breaking out of the cycle of fear, considering how to protect those around us and looking after vulnerable people in our communities.

“One of the things we need to start preparing for is the real possibility that this virus will eventually spread in the community, as it has in other countries.”

Wiles said: “We have to be very careful about the language we use, because when people panic, they tend to do things that are not in everyone’s best interests.

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Wiles said there was no need for the public to buy masks in bulk.

“Most people do not know how to wear them. People who are not used to wearing masks are more likely to contract the underlying illness if they fiddle with them.

She said: “People should not be wearing masks now, because we do not have this virus in our community. Your chance of catching it today is the same as it was a few weeks ago.”

Wiles said the Government’s current response was appropriate under the pandemic response plan.

“The person who was infected and their family did very well … they wore a mask on the plane, and then, after they got home, their family contacted Healthline and notified the authorities.”

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