According to the Ministry of Health, a pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through human populations across a large region, e.g. multiple continents or even worldwide.
Some of the impacts of pandemics include loss of life, stretched medical services and facilities, widespread social and psychological disruption and isolation and restricted access to some international destinations for people and exports.
New Zealand has been affected by international pandemics before, and if another was to reach our shores, the Ministry of Health would issue advice on how to best protect yourself and care for others.
What do I need to do to be ready?