Covid 19
Covid-19: Michael Baker on expected Omicron numbers
A top epidemiologist thinks New Zealand could see a better Omicron scenario than what a highly respected overseas health research organisation is modelling.
New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily… Audio
Covid-19: Business says RATs order not filled due to govt
Businesses importing and distributing rapid antigen tests in New Zealand say the government's bulk order is crushing private supplies.
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says government has… Audio
Covid-19: New Zealand well prepared for Omicron surge - Andrew Little
The Government is preparing for a more hands-off approach once Omicron cases in the community grow to their thousands.
A three phase plan has been announced.
In phase one, which we're in now… Audio
Covid-19: Cases at ECE, music festival
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
Omicron modelling paints alarming picture for coming weeks
New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily Omicron infections by Waitangi weekend, according to modelling by a highly-respected, overseas health research organisation, peaking at about 80,000 each day…
Covid-19: Modelling says NZ could face 50,000 infections per day by Waitangi
New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily Omicron infections by Waitangi weekend, according to modelling by a highly respected, overseas health research organisation, peaking at about 80,000 each day… Audio
Govt priority in rapid antigen test orders 'unfair' on businesses
Businesses feel the prioritisation for the government's order of rapid antigen tests has tripped up their pandemic planning, says the Food and Grocery Council. Audio
Covid-19: Fiji schools head back despite new wave
Students are back at school in Fiji for the first time since April last year, but more than 200 teachers are positive for Covid-19.
This comes as the Pacific nation grapples with the third wave of… Audio
Covid-19: Mayor on newest New Plymouth case
A new community case of Covid-19 in New Plymouth came just one day after the Taranaki region was declared Covid-19 free.
The Ministry of Health says genome sequencing is underway but in the meantime… Audio
Covid-19: GPs warn they won't be able to help everyone
Doctors are warning they won't be able to help all of their patients when there are thousands of daily Omicron infections.
The warning follows the announcement of the Government's three-phase plan to… Audio
Corrections union warns loss of unvaccinated workers disruptive
The union representing prison staff is warning the loss of dozens of workers who refused to get vaccinated will disrupt prison life.
The Department of Corrections insists there is no problem, but the… Audio
Covid-19: Businesses say government rapid antigen test order ruined plans
Businesses say the government's order of rapid antigen tests has tripped up their pandemic planning.
The Food and Grocery Council says it's members are profoundly disappointed the government has… Audio
Robertson: govt claims its not commandeered rapid antigen tests
The government is under fire over allegations it "comandeered" rapid antigen tests from private companies. The government plans to increase the number of tests available to the public ahead of an… Audio
LDR South AK: locals, Doctors prepare for Omicron surge
Every Thursday we're delighted to be able to zoom across the country and talk to one of the reporters from the Local Democracy Reporting Programme. This morning we're in South Auckland with Local… Audio
Despite Omicron, keeping schools open safely should be goal
The Omicron variant has caused serious disruption to schooling overseas. As Aotearoa prepares for an Omicron outbreak, calls to close schools as case numbers rise are expected, Jin Russell writes.
New Covid-19 cases attended music festival in Hamilton
The Ministry of Health says a number of people who attended a festival in Hamilton over the weekend have been confirmed as having Covid-19.
Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: Measures still 'crucial' as phases introduced
Omicron is not "mild" and can still overwhelm the health system, nor will it be the last Covid-19 variant so the government must prepare, public health experts say.
Amnesty for people who got fake Covid-19 vaccine passes
Canterbury police are offering an amnesty for people who received fake Covid-19 vaccine passes from a Rangiora man.
'Worst case scenario' of Omicron would be phase two in two weeks - Bloomfield
The Director-General of Health says the Health Ministry is working on the "worst case scenario" that the tipping point to move to phase two of the Omicron response could be in two weeks. Audio
Govt criticised over interference with Rapid Antigen Test order
Private suppliers of Rapid Antigen Tests have lashed out at the government's interference with their orders.
The government plans to increase the number of tests available to the public ahead of an… Audio
