Should people be masking up as flu outbreaks surge? episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 21, 2026 · 7 MIN

Should people be masking up as flu outbreaks surge?

from Checkpoint

Auckland's had its worst week for flu related hospitalisations in a decade; 177 people admitted across four of the city's hospitals. Health New Zealand says 188 elective surgery were cancelled to free up resources, following a surge in respiratory cases. University of Otago Professor of Public Health Dr Michael Baker, believes more could have been done sooner - including stronger advice about masks. Dr Michael Baker spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 21, 2026

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Should people be masking up as flu outbreaks surge?

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