An epidemiologist is predicting New Zealand's Covid-19 case numbers will rise again over coming months - resulting in increased hospitalisations and deaths.
Professor Michael Baker isn't surprised at confirmation yesterday the BA.5 variant has entered Aotearoa via a person from South Africa and he expects it has already spread into the community.
He says new variants such as BA.5 are among several factors that will force our Covid-19 numbers upwards this winter.
Professor Baker spoke to Susie Ferguson.