Professor Chris Bullen has been appointed as a member of the Technical Advisory Group’s epidemiology sub-group, to provide advice and expert comment on matters arising from the COVID-19 response to the Ministry of Health.

Associate Professor Natalie Walker and Professor Chris Bullen have been working with a New Zealand market research company on a series of national online surveys. The surveys aim to measure people’s knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, strategies for minimising transmission and the intention to adhere to government advice. The results are being forwarded to the Ministry of Health to shape their communications and help them provide relevant content to New Zealanders.

Finally, several NIHI staff and collaborators are working on digital solutions, including chatbots and apps, to remind people of strategies put in place to minimise transmission risk, appropriate health-seeking behaviour as well as mental health and wellbeing maintenance during the lockdown period. We are looking forward to revealing more of this work soon.