As the winter surge of Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations persists, we’re expecting an update today from the minister in charge about what will be done to curb it.

But while you might expect that would involve a move back into the red setting, we’re instead expecting another tampering of the orange setting.

That will mean that large events, both indoors and outdoors, will still be able to go ahead despite over 11,000 Covid-19 cases being confirmed every day.

According to Stuff, today’s announce by minister Ayesha Verrall will focus on rapid antigen tests and masks. Glenn McConnell reported that it’ll be easier for New Zealanders to access tests and face coverings, but restrictions are not likely to be tightened.

The move from the government comes amid a political storm on the Covid front. The rise in cases, coupled with winter illnesses, has put significant pressure on the health system. The death toll continues to rise, with our most vulnerable at highest risk. The opposition have called for the traffic light setting to be scrapped entirely in favour of a simpler set of pandemic guidelines. The Greens have called for tighter restrictions, though will likely be pleased with the plan to roll out free masks more widely.

And for some more reading on the Covid beat: Stuff has a hefty explainer of what we’re up against with this new surge in infections, while yesterday we published a new Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris collaboration looking at how to slow the growth in cases.