Covid 19
Daily case numbers not showing extent of Omicron spread - Baker
Epidemiologist Michael Baker is warning the number of Covid-19 cases could be as much as 10 times the official figures. Audio
Covid-19: School mask mandate tricky for some
Principals say some schools and teachers are ignoring or misinterpreting the mask mandate for school children.
Covid-19 convoy conundrum confronts news editors
Covid skeptics occupied Parliament grounds this week under the banner of ‘freedom’ - and many other things. Did media coverage amplify their fringe views? Should media do more to understand them and… Audio
Omicron outbreak may empty Parliament's debating chamber
There could soon be as few as two MPs in Parliament's debating chamber as the Omicron outbreak grows.
Queenstown Central amongst least boosted suburbs as Omicron appears
Queenstown Central is one of the least boosted suburbs in the country, as the town deals with its first known Omicron cases.
Parliament protest: Police arrest 122 in efforts to control occupation
Tensions rose on Thursday as the protest against Covid-19 protection measures dragged on into its third day, with police hauling away dozens of protesters who refused to leave Parliament grounds. Video, Audio
Anti-vaccine Murupara GP suspended pending further investigation
The anti-vax GP has been pushing his views on the practice's Facebook page for months, calling the vaccine "a gene therapy injection".
Anti-vaccine protesters vehicles cause headaches
The anti-vaccine protest outside Parliament seems to have united politicians. Not a single MP has come out to talk to the few hundred protesting the vaccine mandates. The Prime Minister has said they… Audio
Smaller centres becoming more attractive for homeowners - Westpac report
People are prepared to move away from major cities for a bigger house and better lifestyle.
Emergency departments expect huge pressures from Omicron - specialist
Latest modelling by Covid-19 Modelling Aotearoa suggests a peak of 800 people in hospital on any given day at best, but well over 3000 at worst. Audio
Porirua's Mana College announces Covid-19 case
A Porirua college has said a person with Covid-19 was at the school on Tuesday.
Why we hoard toilet paper - and why we shouldn't
The step up to red light restrictions saw supermarkets once again do big business in what we use to do our business - toilet paper. Audio
Different Omicron outbreak models helpful for guiding responses - Hendy
A modeller says people's actions are changing the trajectory of Omicron case numbers, but models of different scenarios help guide decision-making. Audio
PM says closing schools will be last resort, as 24 are connected to cases
At least 24 schools and early learning centres have connections to Covid-19 cases, but the prime minister says schools will only be closed as a last resort.
NZ study on Covid-19 impacts launched
People who have had Covid-19 are being asked about the support they received, and ongoing effects, in a survey that will be used to advise health officials.
Covid-19 cases fall in NSW and Victoria, but death toll mounting
Case numbers are falling in Australia's NSW and Victoria, but both states are still grappling with deaths and relying heavily on rapid antigen tests.
Covid-19 cover needed for school support staff - Greens
The Green Party wants the government to cover extra sick days for school support staff through the pandemic.
First Covid vaccine for children under 5 considered in US
US regulators are considering the first Covid-19 vaccine for children under the age of 5, the only age group not yet eligible for the shots.
Australian PM says his government was too optimistic before Omicron surge
Australia's prime minister says his government had been too optimistic about the impact of Covid-19 vaccinations leading to disappointment and exhaustion when the Omicron variant hit.
Covid-19: Denmark restrictions lifted despite increase in cases
Denmark has lifted all of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions, including the wearing of face masks, making it the first European Union country to do so.
