Covid 19
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
West Coast reaches 90 percent vaccination target
Almost a year after the first Covid-19 vaccinations were administered, the West Coast DHB has hit the 90 percent vaccination target.
Covid-19: Booster dose effective against Omicron BA.2 mutation - virologist
An evolutionary virologist says fully vaccinated people with a booster dose are effectively protected against the Omicron BA.2 mutation. Audio
Crew worried JetStar is not enforcing Covid policies
JetStar cabin crew members are concerned the company's not checking people's vaccine passes or evidence of negative tests.
At the beginning of the week, the airline introduced a new policy requiring… Audio
Essential to protect vulnerable at Omicron peak - epidemiologist
An Australian-based epidemiologist says in the face of Omicron, the focus should be on ensuring the health system is not overwhelmed as case numbers increase. Audio
Covid-19: Virologist explains Omicron BA.2 found at border
Virologists aren't sounding the alarm bells just yet about a mutated version of Omicron that's been seeping into our borders.
There's little currently known about the new strain, dubbed BA.2, besides… Audio
Victoria reports 39 Covid-19 deaths, NSW records 35 deaths
Victoria has recorded the deaths of 39 more Covid-19 patients, while New South Wales has reported 35 deaths.
Māori health leader calls for targeted strategy for Omicron
Māori health leaders say something needs to be done to close the Covid-19 vaccine gap for Māori.
