A new wave of coronavirus infections is spreading rapidly across Asia, prompting authorities to call on residents from New Zealand to Japan to take preventive measures to slow the spread of the disease. and help health systems prevent falling under pressure.

The current increase in infections, mainly due to the spread of PA4 and PA5 sub-variants, poses an additional challenge for authorities that are still trying to address the economic impact of previous pandemic waves. while seeking to avoid the expansion or re -introduction of restrictions that are not popular with the people.

The New Zealand government today announced the distribution of free masks and quick check-ups with the aim of alleviating stress on the country’s healthcare system, which is currently battling a wave of Covid infections and winter flu in southern hemisphere.

The minister in charge of coordinating efforts to combat Covid-19, Aisha Feral, said: “There is no doubt that the rise in Covid-19 cases coincides with the worst flu season in recent memory, and the absence of some workers puts pressure on medical personnel and the entire health care system. intense. ”

New Zealand, with a population of 5.1 million, has nearly 69,000 cases of the virus. Of these, 765 patients were treated in hospitals, resulting in longer waiting times and cancellation of operations.

In Japan, the number of new cases has risen to levels not seen since the beginning of this year. The government has urged the people to be vigilant especially during the coming long weekend and upcoming summer school holidays.

As for South Korea, which was previously praised like New Zealand for successfully fighting the pandemic in its early stages, daily cases tripled in a week to more than 39,000.

Officials and experts expect the daily number of new cases in South Korea to reach 200,000 between mid-August and the end of September, prompting authorities to expand the distribution of doses of booster, but has no plans to impose new restrictions.

Australia also warned that it could experience the biggest outbreak of Covid-19 in the next few weeks due to the spread of PA4 and PA5 subvariables. Authorities said they expected “millions” of new infections to be recorded, but decided to impose any strict restrictions to prevent the spread.

Mainland China also reported more than 300 local infections a day in July, up from about 70 a day in June, as Beijing’s strict policy known as “Covid zero” helps keep pain under control and prevent hospitals from overcrowding.