Commissioners also say the vaccine requirements eroded public trust and call for investment to plan for the next pandemic

Summary

New Zealand’s royal commission into its Covid-19 response found vaccine mandates were reasonable based on available data but acknowledged they harmed social cohesion.

The report praised the country’s elimination strategy for achieving one of the lowest Covid death rates among developed nations while preventing healthcare system collapse.

However, it criticized prolonged lockdowns, weak health system preparedness, and a lack of planning for future crises.

Commissioners urged broad investment in pandemic readiness and emphasized the importance of both frontline and planning staff.

A second phase of the inquiry will review vaccine harms and conclude in 2026.

  • @[email protected]English
    31•2 days ago

    "And I encourage it to be released soon … the next pandemic may not be far away. We need to get on and prepare.”

    Yeah, it’ll probably come from the US due to some vaccines becoming illegal in some States. Let’s just hope it doesnt spread through mouth rain like covid does.

      • @[email protected]English
        3•2 days ago

        Basically small droplets of water that are emitted from your mouth as you speak. They can’t be seen with the naked eye, and they float on the air. Its how covid is spread so fast in indoor settings.

        I first heard it referred to as “mouth rain” on a Radio Lab podcast episode early in the pandemic