Michael Baker
Covid-19: Public health experts want tougher entry rules for Omicron
A public health expert is warning managed isolation and quarantine hotels will be swamped with Omicron cases unless there are tougher rules to keep more people out.
There are 22 confirmed cases of… Audio
Broader surveillance needed for strep infections
We hear about the real world implications of breakthrough research on acute rheumatic fever. Audio
Covid-19: More restrictions on entry to NZ needed after Omicron - Baker
An epidemiologist says the reopening of the trans-tasman bubble must be postponed, and any loosening of MIQ protocols reviewed urgently.
Keeping the border secure is critical, according to Michael… Audio
Omicron can be kept out of NZ - Professor Baker
Omicron has arrived but it does not have to get into New Zealand, Professor Michael Baker has told Checkpoint. Video, Audio
Baker: another week to assess before reviewing traffic light
We'll find out later today whether any regions will enjoy greater freedoms this Christmas after Cabinet meets to review the traffic light settings. Currently, Northland, Auckland, Taupo and Rotorua… Audio
Covid-19 update with Professor Michael Baker
Professor Michael Baker is back with us to discuss the Omicron variant, the increased risks Covid survivors face, and the idea that the time of day a person receives their vaccine has an impact on the… Audio
Contact tracing system missed most targets in Delta outbreak
The contact-tracing system missed most of its targets over the first two months of the Delta outbreak.
That's according to an interim report released by the Ministry of Health.
Ideally, at least 80… Audio
NZ border changes: Mixed mood in Fiji's Kiwi community
There's a mixed mood among New Zealanders abroad as they digest the major border changes announced by the government. Audio
Important to get booster vaccination from today
If you had your second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine more than six months ago you'll be able to get a third booster shot from today. New Zealand's vaccine rollout began in February this year, so… Audio
Covid-19: Auckland boundary decision set to be announced today
Aucklanders will today learn when they will be able to leave the super city and reunite with family and friends across the country.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce the date this… Audio
Covid-19: Michael Baker urges caution over Auckland border
Otago University epidemiologist Michael Baker is sounding a warning around Auckland's border, citing concerns vaccination rates are not uniformly high.
Christmas and summer holiday plans for… Audio
Scarce details for returnees on MIQ hotel exodus
A mass departure from MIQ hotels starts on Sunday, as new rules for international arrivals shorten the stay to seven days followed by a three day isolation at home.
MIQ officials say each person will… Audio
Covid-19 update with Professor Michael Baker
New Zealand recorded its second Covid-19 death of the current Delta outbreak on Friday when a second man who had been isolating at home in Auckland died. The total number of cases in the current… Audio
Covid-19: Christchurch case results came through overnight, Covid Tracer use low - Hipkins
The Ministry of Health has announced two positive Covid-19 cases in Christchurch. The two people are from the same household, with one of them recently returning to Christchurch from Auckland.
… Audio
Covid-19: Epidemiologist on Christchurch cases
Two positive Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Christchurch. They are from the same household. One member had recently returned to Christchurch from Auckland. Epidemiologist Michael Baker spoke to… Audio
Need vaccine certificates for travellers now, says Prof Baker
Senior students are back at school today, but with case numbers rising, the race to vaccinate continues.
The deputy prime minister Grant Robertson told Morning Report the Government expects to make… Audio
Covid-19: South Waikato response kicks up a gear
South Waikato is kicking its Covid-19 response up a gear with the revelation a person who later tested positive for the virus spent the night in Tokoroa.
Two new cases were also reported yesterday… Audio
Top epidemiologist concerned at 'outbreak of the unvaccinated'
Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker told Checkpoint his biggest concern the spread of Delta is an "outbreak of the unvaccinated".
"The unvaccinated are increasingly Māori and Pacific people. So we… Video, Audio
Baker: higher vaccinations needed for level change
There were 51 new community cases of Covid-19 reported yesterday including - worryingly - four in Waikato. The news is better for Northland, which may have dodged a bullet with no new cases being… Audio
Level 2 Christmas possible for Auckland if vaccinations rise - top epidemiologist
Auckland is stuck at alert level 3 for at least another week, with the Prime Minister saying the country is at one of the most challenging moments in the pandemic so far.
Auckland students will not… Video, Audio