Covid 19
No guarantees hospitals, ICUs will withstand Omicron outbreak
The Prime Minister can't give assurances New Zealand's hospitals and ICU's will hold up in the Omicron outbreak.
New modelling predicts daily infections could climb sharply in the coming weeks and… Audio
Schools scramble to test students after Omicron case at Soundsplash
From summer festival to potential super spreader event, the fallout from Hamilton's Soundsplash gig is becoming clearer.
So far five attendees have tested positive for Covid-19, with at least one… Video, Audio
Covid-19 face masks: What you need to know
Explainer - Under the red setting of the traffic light system, many New Zealanders will have to adapt to stricter rules around the use of face masks, RNZ is here to clear it all up.
Widespread Covid testing needed in Nelson-Tasman - Medical Officer of Health
There are now 17 cases of Covid-19 in Nelson, with the health board moving to "stamp out" Omicron in the region.
Covid-19 update: 45 new community cases, 34 Omicron cases added to total
There are 45 new community cases of Covid-19 today, with the number of Omicron cases in the community rising to 90.
PM: 'The booster is incredibly important in the response to Omicron'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says every booster that a New Zealander receives will help reduce the spread of Omicron.
Covid-19: Consequences hit nurse who threatened medical professionals over vaccine
A Dunedin nurse who posted online threats against medical professionals involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout cannot practise nursing and is no longer working for ACC.
Horticulture, meat processors push for private RAT orders to protect supply chains
The horticulture and meat processing industries are among those advocating for the government to allow the private importation of rapid antigen tests.
Covid-19: Confirmed case in Gisborne
A person in Gisborne has tested positive for Covid-19.
The local district health board Hauora Tairawhiti confirmed the news this morning.
Local public health officials are following up with close… Audio
Covid-19: Soundsplash attendees to monitor for symptoms
Thousands of festivalgoers in Hamilton over the weekend must monitor for Covid-19 symptoms, after attending a possible superspreader event.
Reports of a suspected Covid case at Soundsplash Festival… Audio
Rapid antigen tests: Business 'has part to play'
The director of a company importing rapid antigen tests says the government should not try to be "all things to all people" in ensuring tests get to vital businesses. Audio
Labour confident, National concerned in face of Omicron
With modelling suggesting NZ could face a peak of 80,000 Omicron infections a day, Health Minister Andrew Little says he is "very confident" the country is prepared. But National is concerned about… Audio
Queenstown airport, hotel new locations of interest linked to suspected Omicron case
The Hotel St Moritz Queenstown and Queenstown Airport during times on 22 January are the latest locations of interest posted on the Ministry of Health website.
Doctors won't be able to help everyone when Omicron spreads rapidly, association says
The New Zealand Medical Association says doctors will not have the capacity to be calling patients actively if there are tens of thousands of Omicron cases a day.
Covid-19: Mask mandates difficult for those with legitimate reasons to not wear masks
A disability advocate says hostility towards people not wearing masks is increasing.
This is making life difficult for those with genuine reasons not to mask up.
Autism New Zealand advocate Chanelle… Audio
GP fears people could slip through cracks in Omicron plan
People who catch Omicron will be alerted by text and directed to a website for information when the country moves into Phase Two of its response to the variant.
The move has GPs worried that people… Audio
Covid-19: Shane Reti on infections modelling
The National Party's health spokesperson says changes need to be made to boost ICU capacity for the Omicron outbreak.
National's Dr Shane Reti told Morning Report it's clear New Zealand's health… Audio
Dozens of Corrections staff lose jobs over Covid-19 vaccine mandate
The union representing prison staff is warning the loss of dozens of workers who refused to get vaccinated will disrupt prison life.
Covid-19: Business NZ on RAT supply and government
A furore is continuing over supply of rapid antigen tests for Covid-19.
Some businesses are fuming - accusing the government of commandeering orders they had placed with suppliers.
Director General… Audio
Covid-19: Early Childhood Council on risk in centres
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a suspected case of Omicron at an early childhood centre in Tauranga.
It says all those at the centre at the time are being treated as close contacts, being asked… Audio
