Covid 19
Covid-19: JN.1 variant accounts for up to 50% of cases in US
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that according to projections Covid subvariant JN.1 accounts for 39 to 50 percent of cases in the United States as of 23 December.
Accountant gets home detention for Covid wage subsidy fraud
The accountant was sentenced to eight months home detention.
Medsafe approves new vaccine to counter latest strains of Covid-19
An updated Covid-19 vaccine will be available to New Zealanders from next winter.
Threat made to release private health details - Te Whatu Ora
The revelation comes after the agency initially said there were no identifying details in the data.
Fast-growing Covid variant could take latest wave into next year
Health experts are urging Kiwis to put a Covid-19 booster shot on their Christmas list for the best chance to avoid the latest variant impacting their summer holidays.
Covid-19 update: 7417 new cases, 27 further deaths
Covid-19 cases have fallen in the last week, and there were 27 further deaths attributed to the virus, according to Ministry of Health figures.
Stocks of Covid anti-viral Paxlovid run low
With the country in the grip of a fifth wave of Covid-19, stocks of the Covid anti-viral drug Paxlovid are running low. In a joint statement, Pharmac and Te Whatu Ora say there's limited stock due to… Audio
New Covid-19 wave could last to Christmas
With hospitalisations rising and the busy season kicking off, health officials are calling for at-risk groups to get their boosters. Audio
Hospital contingency plans start as Covid wave hits staff
Hospitals are putting contingency plans into action as the latest Covid wave hits staffing numbers.
Warning sounded over any moves to defund Covid-19 vaccine
A vaccinologist is warning that restricting access to the Covid-19 vaccine could send a message that it is no longer important. Audio
Covid-19 update: Case numbers, deaths increase on last week
Covid-19 cases have increased since last week, and there were 27 further deaths attributed to the virus, according to Ministry of Health figures.
Warning sounded over any moves to defund Covid vaccine
A immunisation expert is worried if the government stops funding the Covid-19 vaccine people will no longer think of it as important. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's possible some… Audio
Christmas conundrums, from gifts to parties to avoiding Covid: What you need to know
Explainer - The approaching holiday season is a time of joy. But it also involves a few tricky questions. From family gatherings to avoiding Covid and even navigating grief, RNZ is here to help. Audio
Covid-19 update: 6656 new cases, 20 deaths
Covid-19 cases have dropped since last week, according to Ministry of Health figures.
Covid-19: Royal Commission of Inquiry delays public submissions
Under the coalition agreement with New Zealand First, National has agreed to progress "as a matter of urgency ... a full scale, wide ranging, independent inquiry".
Covid-19 update: 6814 new cases, 27 deaths including child under 10
Covid-19 cases have dropped since last week but more people have died from the virus, including a child aged under 10.
Covid-19 still NZ's 'biggest infectious disease problem' - Michael Baker
Covid-19 booster vaccines are essential to help stem the tide of a fifth wave of the virus sweeping the country, epidemiologist Michael Baker says. Audio
Covid booster available as cases climb
Aotearoa is in its fifth wave of covid-19 infections, sitting at just over a thousand new cases each day.
And for those who wonder if they're eligible for a booster or not, the good news is that they… Audio
New separate pandemic inquiry may undermine ongoing Royal Commission
The new coalition government has decided to open an independent inquiry into the pandemic response but a legal expert warns it's not a good look.
WHO asks China for details on outbreaks of respiratory illness
The World Health Organization has asked China for details on an increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children.
