Covid 19

Dozens of cities across China have been affected by varying degrees of restrictions.

Some Whangārei businesses are the busiest they've been since pre-Covid times - thanks to the Rugby World Cup.

The number of business failures has risen markedly as Covid financial lifelines of government wage subsidies, and understanding banks have ended.

New Omicron infections have jumped by more than 1500 cases in a day as sickness levels ramp up and a third wave of the year looms large.

A Covid-19 modeller says small towns like Picton face an increased risk of the virus spreading when cruise ships dock, but transmission can be avoided by taking basic precautions. Audio

The cruise ship visiting Wellington yesterday, and Napier the day before, has not been following current Covid isolation guidelines.

It comes as three big cruise liners - one with about 130 cases on board - arrive at New Zealand ports.

More than 130 passengers and crew on the first cruise ship to arrive in the country in two years have tested positive for Covid-19.

A taskforce has delivered 101 recommendations to cut surgical wait times - but no targets for when they will be achieved.

There are 16,399 new cases of Covid-19 in the community and 41 new deaths this week, the Ministry of Health has announced.

Supply chain researchers argue unused PPE medical supplies should be donated to developing countries, despite the WHO recommending against it.

The agency charged with enforcing vaccine pass rules says it has no idea how many businesses have paid fines for not complying. Audio

Parts of Beijing are now being locked down as China's Communist Party holds a historic congress.

Two new Covid-19 variants have crept into Aotearoa, and although they have not overtaken the current dominant strain, experts are keeping a close eye on their evolution.

MedSafe today received an application from Pfizer for provisional approval of its latest Omicron-targeted vaccine. Here's what you need to know about it.