Covid 19
Covid-19: Ashley Bloomfield on RATs, case numbers
The government has announced a significant boost in the number available with millions arriving in the country over the weekend.
By Monday, the totally supply of rapid antigen tests will be more than… Audio
Covid-19: Auckland cases ahead of predictions
An Auckland GP says she feels like she's in battle, and testing centres have described chaos as Omicron charges through the city.
There were nearly 4000 new cases in Auckland yesterday - a number… Audio
Covid-19: Pharmacies want to know when they can sell RATs
Pharmacies are inundated by people phoning to ask how and when they can buy a rapid antigen test, or RAT.
Many have stocks of the tests but these are earmarked for priority groups who get them for… Audio
Covid-19: EMA wants less doom and gloom in response
Less doom and gloom - that's the plea from the Employers and Manufacturers Association as the country enters Phase 3 of the Omicron response.
Alan McDonald, the group's head of advocacy and strategy… Audio
Phase 3 could be lifesaver for hospitality venues
The move to Phase 3 could be a lifesaver for hospitality venues closed across the country due to isolating staff. Good Spirits Hospitality own venues across Auckland's city centre including Danny… Audio
Red traffic light, phase 3: greater self management for Covid
As of this morning we're at phase three of the red Covid traffic light setting, which requires far greater self-management for covid positive cases and their contacts. If you find yourself testing… Audio
New Zealand on the verge of Phase 3 Omicron response
In less than two hours New Zealand will enter phase three of its Omicron response. It is almost two years to the day when the first Covid-19 case was reported here on February 28 2020. Since then… Audio
Hong Kong ramps up restrictions to slow Omicron
As New Zealand and some other countries look to ease Covid-19 restrictions Hong Kong is moving in the other direction. From Thursday it's compulsory to wear masks in parks and when you're exercising… Audio
GPs, pharmacists brace for huge demand for RATs in phase three
GPs and pharmacists are bracing for huge demand for rapid antigen tests (RATs) as the country prepares to go into phase three. Audio
GPs, pharmacists brace for huge demand for RATs in Phase 3
GPs and pharmacists are bracing for huge demand for RAT tests as the country prepares to go into phase three.
But they say it'll be impossible to meet it. The Government's announced a move to phase… Video, Audio
NZ moves to Phase 3 of Omicron Response
With daily Covid cases setting new daily records, from midnight tonight, New Zealand moves to phase 3 of the traffic light system. With more than 6000 cases, and one more death, we now have 205 people… Audio
Parties off in Dunedin as Omicron spreads among students
This year's Orientation Week at Otago University is like no other, with hundreds of students stuck isolating due to Covid.
The southern city recorded its first community case of the latest outbreak… Audio
Covid-19 Response Minister details Omicron Phase 3
Aotearoa moves to Omicron Phase 3 at 11.59pm tonight after daily cases cracked more than 6000 today.
That means only Covid cases and their household contacts have to isolate and RATs are rampant.
… Video, Audio
Hundreds more schools and centres dealing with Covid-19 cases
The Education Ministry says 717 schools and early learning centres are managing Covid-19 cases, up from 447 on Monday.
Covid-19 outbreak: Protest at Parliament a location of interest
The protest at Parliament has been added to the Ministry of Health's Covid-19 locations of interest and people are advised to self-isolate.
Covid-19: Children and young people dominating south Auckland Omicron cases
Papakura Marae Health Clinic GP Dr Matire Harwood is seeing a rapid rise in Omicron case numbers and most of them are children.
Omicron phase three: What you need to know
Explainer - The government has announced the country is moving to phase three - but what does that mean? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
Taranaki vaccination delivery on a roll in shadow of anti-mandate protest
While attention is focused on the protest at Parliament grounds, Covid-19 vaccinators have been busy delivering booster shots and inoculating under 12 year olds.
Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: New Zealand to move to phase 3 of response
New Zealand will move to phase 3 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed.
Epidemiologist Michael Baker on move to Phase 3 tonight
Aotearoa will move into Phase 3 of its Omicron response plan at 11.59 tonight.
Otago University epidemiologist, Professor Michael Baker spoke to Māni Dunlop. Audio