Covid 19
Omicron may be less severe in young and old, but not 'mild' - WHO
The more infectious Omicron variant of Covid-19 appears to produce less severe disease than the globally dominant Delta strain, but should not be categorised as "mild", World Health Organization…
Covid-19 update: 35 new community cases, 24 in MIQ
There are 35 new cases of Covid-19 in the community and 24 cases in managed isolation, the Ministry of Health has reported.
'Speed is key': Using Covid-19 tracer app vital for containing any Omicron outbreak - expert
Consistent scanning of QR codes can provide significant boosts to contact tracers' efforts to contain Omicron outbreaks, Dr Andrew Chen says. Audio
Rapid response Covid-19 teams grapple with shortage of nurses
A leader of an intensive effort to boost Māori Covid-19 vaccinations says nurses are in short supply and it's time to look at training more Māori.
Covid-19 update: 19 new community cases, 43 cases at the border
There are 19 new community cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today and 43 cases in managed isolation, the Ministry of Health has reported.
Early start to planning around Covid-19 to enable 2023 tribal river journey
Planning will get underway to enable the tribal river wānanga the Tira Hoe Waka to go ahead in 2023 after being axed for two years running.
Covid-19: 35k new cases in NSW, 22k in Victoria, Tasmania warns of surge
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has told employers to stop forcing staff to get a Covid test before returning to work after the state recorded 34,994 new cases and six deaths.
Music's Grammy Awards indefinitely postponed as Omicron spreads
This year's Grammy Awards ceremony honouring top performances in music has been postponed indefinitely due to organisers' concerns about the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Taranaki Base Hospital listed as a Covid-19 exposure event
It remains unclear whether hospital staff will be stood down, after the Ministry of Health identified the Emergency Department as an exposure event.
Covid-19 in Australia: Tens of thousands of new daily cases
NSW has recorded 35,054 new Covid-19 cases and eight deaths, while 17,636 new cases and 11 deaths have been reported in Victoria, as pressure mounts on Australia's health systems.
Research finds airborne transmission likely cause of MIQ Covid-19 spread
Airborne transmission is the most plausible explanation for the spread of Covid-19 in an Auckland quarantine hotel, according to the "globally important" initial findings of a study.
Omicron community case won't be prosecuted over rule breach
The Ministry of Health will not be taking legal action against a UK musician who became the country's first reported community Omicron case last week.
Surf lifeguards must be fully vaccinated from today
Surf lifeguards patrolling Aotearoa's beaches have to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 from today.
UK honours Covid-19 scientists and medics
The Queen's New Year's honours list recognises scientists and medics fighting Covid-19, while actor Daniel Craig has been conferred the same honour as James Bond.
Pasifika reach 90% vaccinated: 'Keep going' urges doctor
Pacific Island New Zealanders are now 90 percent fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and a public health expert is urging them to keep up that momentum in the New Year.
Goff on Auckland in orange: 'Get outside, see friends, stay safe'
Auckland's mayor hopes residents will be able to continue enjoying their freedom this year, but urges everyone to keep safe from Covid-19.
Nelson community groups praise Covid-19 fund support
Nelson community groups says they are grateful for the city council's $200,000 Covid-19 emergency fund.
NSW hospitalisations soar, as labs stagger with testing backlog
New South Wales has recorded a new peak of 6394 new Covid-19 cases, with testing programmes in the Australian state straining under a backlog of soaring demand.
Changes to Covid-19 vaccine boosters, border reopening: what you need to know
Cabinet has agreed to reduce the interval between the second Pfizer dose and booster shot, and there will be a delay in the phased opening of New Zealand's borders.
Man's death likely from rare reaction to Covid-19 vaccine - safety board
The death of a man in his 20s has been linked to the Covid-19 vaccine by a board tasked to monitor its safety, but they emphasise the virus posed a higher risk.