A new online Ministry of Health system to notify people of positive Covid-19 tests and aid contact tracing needs to be streamlined, says a public health expert.
Auckland University associate professor of public health Collin Tukuitonga says a new online-based system rolled out by the Ministry of Health could face challenges in areas like south Auckland. Photo: Ryan Anderson / Stuff
With daily Omicron case numbers continuing to soar, the capacity for teams to call everyone who tests positive is now under strain.
Under the new phase 2 system, most Covid-19 positive cases will now be notified of their test result by text message and directed to an online survey, which will help contact tracers locate high-risk exposure events and locations.
People will be expected to answer questions about their symptoms and provide contact details. They will also receive information on how to self-isolate and how to notify close contacts.
Until now, those who tested positive for Covid-19 received a phone call and spoke to a person about their symptoms, where they had been and who they had been in contact with.
But now most people will be expected to enter this information online themselves using an app.
Auckland University associate professor of public health Collin Tukuitonga has concerns about how the new online system will work in an area like South Auckland, which has been an epicentre for Covid-19.
"While the concept makes sense in terms of reducing the pressure on the system, it will need to be streamlined and not require people to spend half an hour filling in their details. Otherwise, it will just put more pressure on the cases and their families."
Tukuitonga said he understood why the Ministry of Health wanted to move to a more automated system.
"Our health system is under strain," he said. "But in some communities it could be problematic."
Tukuitonga said in lower-socio-economic areas like South Auckland people may not have access to the internet, while literacy and language barriers could also play a part.
"They need to give some thought to how it's going to work in practice," Tukuitonga said. "These things are great in theory, but often the rollout is more complicated."
But Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said phone contact for people who test positive would still be possible.
"There will still be that option for people who prefer that, or don't have ready access to digital tools through a cell phone or computer," he said.
Bloomfield said most cases would now be notified by text message.
As well as a link to information on self-isolation and how to inform others they had Covid-19, the message would link to advice on how to look after themselves and what help was available.
He said if a person was immunocompromised, or had a serious illness, they would be able to discuss with a team what additional support they needed.
But he said most people with Omicron would have mild or moderate symptoms and would not require additional assistance.
The Ministry of Health was approached for comment.
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