Covid 19
North Korea blames 'alien things' near border with South for Covid-19 outbreak
North Korea claims that the country's first Covid-19 outbreak began with patients touching "alien things" near the border with South Korea, apparently shifting blame to the neighbour for the wave of…
Man hospitalised with Covid-19 after arriving in Niue on quarantine-free flight
Niue's Director of Health has confirmed a man with pre-existing health conditions has been hospitalised with Covid-19 after arriving on a quarantine-free flight from New Zealand.
Covid-19 Minister details change to reinfection advice
The government is supplying thousands of masks to school kids and staff in a bid to curb the spread of Covid.
It has also revised its advice on testing for re-infections of the virus, as thousands of… Video, Audio
Covid-19: NZ to stay in orange traffic light setting
Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall says the country needs to remain at the orange traffic light setting as case numbers are starting to "creep up".
Covid-19 update: 19 further deaths, and 7423 new community cases
There are 19 further deaths, and 7423 new community cases of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health says.
Government considering lifting mask mandates
Covid rules are under review, and the government is considering lifting some mask mandates. The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says cabinet is waiting for the final public health advice. University of… Audio
Covid-19 vaccine uptake slows while virus spreads
Health experts are predicting a very slow uptake of a fourth Covid-19 vaccine with some expecting it will struggle to hit 50 percent.
The second booster is available from today for everyone aged over… Audio
GPs, pharmacies expect 'significant surge' for free flu vaccine for children
GPs and pharmacists administering vaccines are expecting a surge in bookings for children to get the free flu vaccine and say it will put pressure on their struggling workforce. Audio
Covid-19 update: 11 further deaths and 5549 new community cases
There are 11 further deaths and 5549 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today.
Children to get free flu vaccines, second Covid-19 booster eligibility expanded
Children will be able to get a free flu vaccine from Friday in a move to reduce hospital admissions, and more New Zealanders will now be eligible for a second Covid-19 booster dose. Audio
Covid booster shot for over 50's and free flu jabs for kids
From tomorrow, a second Covid-19 booster dose will be available to anyone aged over 50 and health, aged-care and disability-care workers over the age of 30.
This is an extension of initial… Audio
Hipkins regrets length of Auckland's 2021 Covid lockdown
Chris Hipkins says while NZ did well in the initial stages of the Covid-19 battle, he did think Auckland's lengthy lockdown in 2021 may have gone on too long.
Omicron-based Covid shots improve response - Pfizer/BioNTech
The vaccine makers Pfizer and BioNTech say a booster dose of updated versions of their Covid-19 vaccine, modified specifically to combat the Omicron variant, has been shown to generate a higher immune…
Long Covid researcher skeptical of study suggesting Omicron causes less disease
New research from a UK study shows Omicron may be less likely to cause long Covid than its predecessor, Delta.
But here in New Zealand, researchers and long Covid sufferers say that's not the case… Audio
Wellington council suspends kerbside glass collection for a fortnight
Kerbside glass collection is once again being put on hold in the capital for about two weeks from Monday.
Covid-19 update: 12 further deaths and 5285 new community cases
Another 12 people with Covid-19 have died and there are 5285 new community cases to report today, the Ministry of Health says.
GP clinic vouchers offered to ease emergency department pressure in Southland
Another district health board, this time in the South Island, is offering patients vouchers to get them out of its emergency department and into GP clinics for free.
Chris Hipkins apologises over incorrect claim in Bellis case
After months of legal wrangling, the former Covid-19 Minister has made a public apology to the journalist Charlotte Bellis.
In a statement, Chris Hipkins has admitted he released incorrect… Audio
Govt spent $43k on another pregnancy-related MIQ case
The government spent tens of thousands of dollars in a legal battle against a pregnant woman who was applying for an emergency MIQ spot for her husband.
Roshni Sami's was trying to get her husband to… Video, Audio
Plans for handling Covid-19 variants revealed
Covid-19 Response Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall says the virus is expected to continue to evolve, which is why the Ministry of Health has been asked to plan for how that may happen.
