Covid 19
Omicron spreading like wildfire but major differences in global response
Omicron is driving case numbers to new highs, but some countries are more worried than others.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa's outgoing chief executive Chris Roberts on what's next for the industry
Roberts is leaving his post in January, but says he is proud of the tourism industry's efforts through the pandemic and while the future isn't certain, he's got thoughts on what's next.
Covid-19: 27 new community cases, 24 at border
The Ministry of Health says none of the new cases reported today are of the Omicron variant.
Six Covid-19 cases linked to Auckland parlour, visitors urged to get tested
An Auckland massage parlour has become the focus of multiple exposure events for Covid-19.
Record Covid-19 cases in Victoria, NSW reports more than 20,000 cases
The Australian Health Services Union (HSU) has warned of fatigued staff at NSW hospitals, and Victoria has reported more cases this year than 2020.
Omicron community case won't be prosecuted over rule breach
The Ministry of Health will not be taking legal action against a UK musician who became the country's first reported community Omicron case last week.
UK workplaces told to plan for absences of up to 25 percent as Covid surges
Ministers in the UK have been tasked with developing "robust contingency plans" for workplace absences, as the government warned rising cases could see up to a quarter of staff off work.
NSW records 18,278 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths, hospitalisations top 1000
The number of people being treated for Covid-19 in hospital in NSW has topped 1000 for the first time since 2 October after the state recorded 18,278 new cases.
US flight cancellations hit new holiday peak amid Covid-19 and bad weather
Flight cancellations in the US have hit a new peak in a Christmas season hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and bad weather.
Eleanor Janega: Going Medieval
We tend to associate the Middle Ages with plagues and pestilence. Author and historian Dr Eleanor Janega lectures on medieval history at London School of Economics at the University of London and has… Audio
Auckland's Middle Eastern communities seek Covid-19 vaccination data
A group championing vaccinations among Auckland's Middle Eastern communities wants the government to provide more information on ethnic vaccination rates.
Covid-19 booster shots effective in reducing Omicron hospitalisations
New UK data shows protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant appears to be holding up in those who've had AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccine boosters.
NSW records 22,577 new Covid-19 cases, four deaths
New South Wales has started the new year with a slight increase in Covid-19 cases, with the state recording 22,577 new infections and four deaths.
Israel approves 4th dose of Covid-19 vaccine
In the face of rising rates of the Omicron variant in its community the Israeli Government has approved a fourth vaccine dose for covid-19. It is one of the first countries in the world to do so and… Audio
WHO chief optimistic about beating Covid-19 in 2022
The World Health Organisation ends the year on a positive note but warns about "nationalism and vaccine hoarding".
'A potential perfect storm': Call for rethink on amount of Covid-19 testing done in labs
The country's laboratories could be overrun if the government does not reconsider who it tests for Covid-19, a professional body says.
Air New Zealand will not serve snacks during domestic flights
The airline says customers will instead be given a snack when they leave the aircraft.
Omicron wave in South Africa may have peaked, officials say
Officials are relaxing restrictions in South Africa, noting lower hospital admissions from the Omicron variant than feared.
Covid-19 update: 49 new community cases in NZ, no new Omicron in the community
There are 49 new community cases of Covid-19, but no new Omicron cases in the community to report, the Ministry of Health has announced.
Covid-19 whistleblower doctor remembered two years on
Thousands of messages were left on the social media account of Li Wenliang on the anniversary of the day when he learned of the initial cases and shared information with others.
