As Covid-19 case numbers in Rarotonga begin to “level off”, a public health advisor is warning that the disease could become “part of the burden of illnesses” forever.

Figures provided by Te Marae Ora show that there were 140 new cases of Covid-19 in the Cook Islands over the weekend, with 22 of those in Aitutaki.

Public health advisor Dr Douglas Lush said these low numbers in Rarotonga were indicative of both the drop in people getting tested over the weekend, but also a pronounced trend of numbers levelling off.

“We expected it to peak in Rarotonga, and that’s what it appears to have done,” Lush said.

“Obviously, it remains to be seen what happens with Monday’s numbers, but it looks like things are levelling off, especially if fewer than 100 cases are reported for Monday.”

As of 9am on Monday, a total of 3449 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the Cook Islands. Of this number, 2734 have recovered and 715 remain active, with 42 of these in Aitutaki, the balance (673) in Rarotonga.

Lush said the focus for TMO was now on Aitutaki, as case numbers slowly creep up in the island.

“We’re looking at the possibility of sharing resources, but at this stage, the island appears to be managing well,” he said.

Lush reiterated the need for people who are displaying any symptoms to get tested for Covid-19, and should further vaccinations become available, then people should get them.

“There’s a strong likelihood that Covid-19 will be with us forever in some variant. It will join the general burden of illnesses, like measles or influenza. This is what happens when a disease moves from a pandemic to becoming endemic,” Lush said.

Lush said there was still a strong public interest to manage the illness through strong public health measures and by getting vaccinated.

Te Marae Ora will be offering all eligible 16 and 17-year-olds in Rarotonga and Aitutaki the opportunity to get their booster shot in the coming week.

To be eligible these teens must have had their second dose at least six months ago.

“TMO is checking their records and will be contacting all those who are eligible this week. However, if you are aware of any 16- and 17-year-olds who have had their first or second dose in New Zealand or elsewhere at least six months ago please encourage them to come along for their third/booster dose,” a spokesperson said.

The vaccination clinic will be set up at the National Auditorium in Rarotonga on April 16 from 8am to 4pm. On April 19, the vaccination team will be operating out of Aitutaki Hospital between from 8am to 4pm.

TMO will be extending the roll-out to include anyone 12 years and over who wishes to continue or begin their Covid-19 vaccinations, which will be available at the locations and times stated above.