Covid 19
New South Wales reports 49 Covid-19 deaths, Victoria reports 31
New South Wales has recorded 49 new Covid-19 deaths but the number of people in the state's hospitals has continued to plateau, while Victoria today reported 31 deaths.
University of Otago orientation events cancelled due to Covid settings
The Otago University Students' Association has cancelled large events planned for Orientation Week in February.
PNG facing a myriad of election challenges
Lack of funding, an outdated common roll and Covid-19 all big issues for this year's national election in PNG. Audio
Whaka 100 cancellation 'nonsensical', but health experts say it's necessary
A would-be Whaka 100 participant says cancelling the popular Rotorua mountain biking event was "nonsensical" as a de-facto race will likely take place without safety measures.
Warning labs can only cope with peak PCR test demand for up to a fortnight
Covid-19 testing laboratories can only cope with peak demand for nasal PCR Covid tests for a couple of weeks before the system will be overloaded. Audio
Answering questions on reducing the risk of Omicron
As Covid-19 cases climb, just how can you minimise the risk of catching it? University of Otago infectious diseases expert Kurt Krause answers some questions for Checkpoint listeners. Audio
Twizel divided over rowing championship coming to town next mon
Twizel's mayor and businesses are pleased the country's biggest rowing regatta is coming to town, but some locals are feeling a bit wary about it.
Rowing New Zealand's pinnacle event - the national… Audio
Aotearoa will face Omicron better than Australia - Aus experts
Daily Covid cases have jumped sharply today - 105 new community cases recorded, with Omicron beginning to spread throughout the country.
The ultra infectious variant has ripped through the Australian… Audio
Few large sport events going ahead under red - Sport NZ boss
Our leading sport agency is encouraging people to think out of the box and keep active despite many major events being cancelled due to Covid restrictions.
Under the red traffic light settings… Video, Audio
Cricket World Cup confident event will happen, with limits
Cricket World Cup organisers are confident the tournament will go ahead, but have confirmed crowds will be limited.
Seven overseas teams are coming here for the event - due to start in early March… Audio
How to reduce the risk of catching Omicron
As Covid cases rapidly climb, just how can you minimise the risk of catching it - specially when you might be mixing and mingling over the weekend?
University of Otago infectious diseases expert… Video, Audio
As Omicron spreads, what do you need in your Covid care kit?
As Omicron cases increase, health authorities have warned people need to be ready to isolate at home, and manage symptoms if you come down with Covid.
So what needs to go into a Covid care kit? Our… Video, Audio
Omicron cases expected to rise with Soundsplash test results
The number of Omicron cases in New Zealand is expected to swell - as test results come back for people who were at Soundsplash.
One parent reckons more than 50 students at an Auckland High School… Audio
Christchurch department store closes due to Omicron risk
Christchurch's Ballantynes department store has closed for three days because of the Covid-19 risk, as the city braces for spread of the highly-transmissable Omicron variant.
Medical grade masks now a requirement for Southern DHB visitors
All staff, patients and visitors to Southern DHB facilities will need to wear a medical grade face mask from now on.
Covid-19: Masks not required at weddings, exclusive venues
The government has clarified the settings where face masks will and won't be required as the country navigates through a Covid-19 Omicron outbreak.
Tauranga polo event attended by suspected Omicron cases
Suspected Omicron cases were among a large number of people who went to a polo event in Tauranga on Saturday and attendees are asked to stay alert for symptoms.
Environment Southland closes office in Invercargill due to Covid-19 incident
Southland's regional council has closed its office until further notice after a contact of a positive Covid-19 case visited and met with staff in the past two days.
Covid-19 update: 105 new community cases, 15 new Omicron cases identified
There are 105 new community cases of Covid-19 today, with the total number of Omicron cases reported in the community also now at 105.
Coast to Coast race to go ahead in reduced format
The 40th anniversary edition of the Coast to Coast race will be going ahead on 12 February, albeit in a reduced format, but the Wellington Round the Bays run has been cancelled. Audio
