Covid 19
Covid-19 update: 9830 new cases, 23 further deaths
Twenty-three more people have died with Covid-19 and there are 9830 new community cases of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health says.
Covid-19: Counties Manukau DHB has postponed thousands of operations, appointments
Thousands of planned operations and appointments have been cancelled by Counties Manukau DHB due to Omicron.
Covid-19: One in four adults not boosted as demand dries up
The Covid-19 booster vaccine campaign has all but stalled, with demand drying up and the rate of booster coverage having declined.
Progress on gender equality being shoved back by pandemic
Analysis - Women make up about 90 percent of those who lost jobs during the pandemic, while many shouldered heavy economic, emotional or care-giving burdens.
Counties Manukau DHB says no 'quick fix' solution to surgery backlog
There's no quick fix for a massive backlog of operations and appointments cancelled or postponed due to Omicron, Counties Manukau DHB says.
Lifting of US mask mandate may be appealed - Biden administration
A US judge's ruling to end mask mandates on aeroplanes will be appealed if health officials say the mandates are necessary to slow Covid-19, the Biden administration says.
MIQ assessment adds 'insult to injury' for women forced to give birth abroad
Women forced to give birth overseas late last year, without any family support, say it is abhorrent health officials thought MIQ wasn't justified at that time.
'You feel a little bit less cautious' - Parents, kids adjusting to orange setting
The orange light setting has brought a sense of relief for parents, as the eased restrictions mean one less thing to juggle - but some Covid-related worries are still lurking.
Delay in ditching MIQ system 'incredibly frustrating', returnees say
Up to 40,000 people could have skipped MIQ from November last year if the government had paid attention to top health officials.
US will no longer enforce mask mandate on airplanes, trains after court ruling
The Biden administration will no longer enforce a US mask mandate on public transportation, after a federal judge in Florida on Monday ruled that the 14-month-old directive was unlawful.
Mother with breast cancer says Omicron surgery delays frightening, lonely
A woman who had her breast cancer operation delayed twice in the Omicron outbreak feared the "dangerous strangers" in her body would get the better of her. Audio
Missing voices in media marking the switch to Orange
The easing of restrictions on pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants after the Covid traffic light went 'Orange' this week was celebrated by media urging us to 'put on our dancing shoes'. Owners and… Audio
Masks remain key defence in orange setting - Hipkins
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is continuing to champion mask wearing, despite some requirements being loosened. Audio
Covid-19 update: 9495 new community cases, a further 15 deaths
There are 9495 new community cases of Covid-19 along with a further 15 deaths to report today.
'We are continuing to see the number of cases drop' - Bloomfield
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says rates are coming down. Video
Data shows aged-care facilities a hotspot for Covid-19 exposure events
More than 1000 Covid-19 cases have been reported at rest homes recently.
Covid-19: Vaccine resistance's roots in negative childhood experiences
Analysis - The long-running Dunedin Study has found a link between vaccine resistance and histories of adverse experiences during childhood, including abuse, maltreatment, or neglect.
Dr McElnay on NZ's Covid response: 'Sharing information was key'
The outgoing Director of Public Health says the quick sharing of scientific data and the widespread use of masks have been critical parts of NZ's public health response. Watch today's Covid-19… Video
Dr Ashley Bloomfield: 'The system is in good hands'
The departing Director-General of Health, speaking at today's regular Covid-19 update, says he is planning to take an extended break before putting thought into what to do next.
Covid-19 update: 14,120 community cases, 23 further deaths, 692 people in hospital
There are 14,120 community cases of Covid-19 and 23 further deaths to report today.