Covid 19
Queenstown airport, hotel new locations of interest linked to suspected Omicron case
The Hotel St Moritz Queenstown and Queenstown Airport during times on 22 January are the latest locations of interest posted on the Ministry of Health website.
Doctors won't be able to help everyone when Omicron spreads rapidly, association says
The New Zealand Medical Association says doctors will not have the capacity to be calling patients actively if there are tens of thousands of Omicron cases a day.
Covid-19: Mask mandates difficult for those with legitimate reasons to not wear masks
A disability advocate says hostility towards people not wearing masks is increasing.
This is making life difficult for those with genuine reasons not to mask up.
Autism New Zealand advocate Chanelle… Audio
GP fears people could slip through cracks in Omicron plan
People who catch Omicron will be alerted by text and directed to a website for information when the country moves into Phase Two of its response to the variant.
The move has GPs worried that people… Audio
Covid-19: Shane Reti on infections modelling
The National Party's health spokesperson says changes need to be made to boost ICU capacity for the Omicron outbreak.
National's Dr Shane Reti told Morning Report it's clear New Zealand's health… Audio
Dozens of Corrections staff lose jobs over Covid-19 vaccine mandate
The union representing prison staff is warning the loss of dozens of workers who refused to get vaccinated will disrupt prison life.
Covid-19: Business NZ on RAT supply and government
A furore is continuing over supply of rapid antigen tests for Covid-19.
Some businesses are fuming - accusing the government of commandeering orders they had placed with suppliers.
Director General… Audio
Covid-19: Early Childhood Council on risk in centres
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a suspected case of Omicron at an early childhood centre in Tauranga.
It says all those at the centre at the time are being treated as close contacts, being asked… Audio
Covid-19: Michael Baker on expected Omicron numbers
A top epidemiologist thinks New Zealand could see a better Omicron scenario than what a highly respected overseas health research organisation is modelling.
New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily… Audio
Covid-19: Business says RATs order not filled due to govt
Businesses importing and distributing rapid antigen tests in New Zealand say the government's bulk order is crushing private supplies.
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says government has… Audio
Covid-19: New Zealand well prepared for Omicron surge - Andrew Little
The Government is preparing for a more hands-off approach once Omicron cases in the community grow to their thousands.
A three phase plan has been announced.
In phase one, which we're in now… Audio
Covid-19: Cases at ECE, music festival
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a suspected case of Omicron at an early childhood centre in Tauranga.
It says all those at the centre at the time are being treated as close contacts, being asked… Audio
Omicron modelling paints alarming picture for coming weeks
New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily Omicron infections by Waitangi weekend, according to modelling by a highly-respected, overseas health research organisation, peaking at about 80,000 each day…
Covid-19: Modelling says NZ could face 50,000 infections per day by Waitangi
New Zealand could be facing 50,000 daily Omicron infections by Waitangi weekend, according to modelling by a highly respected, overseas health research organisation, peaking at about 80,000 each day… Audio
Govt priority in rapid antigen test orders 'unfair' on businesses
Businesses feel the prioritisation for the government's order of rapid antigen tests has tripped up their pandemic planning, says the Food and Grocery Council. Audio
Covid-19: Fiji schools head back despite new wave
Students are back at school in Fiji for the first time since April last year, but more than 200 teachers are positive for Covid-19.
This comes as the Pacific nation grapples with the third wave of… Audio
Covid-19: Mayor on newest New Plymouth case
A new community case of Covid-19 in New Plymouth came just one day after the Taranaki region was declared Covid-19 free.
The Ministry of Health says genome sequencing is underway but in the meantime… Audio
Covid-19: GPs warn they won't be able to help everyone
Doctors are warning they won't be able to help all of their patients when there are thousands of daily Omicron infections.
The warning follows the announcement of the Government's three-phase plan to… Audio
Corrections union warns loss of unvaccinated workers disruptive
The union representing prison staff is warning the loss of dozens of workers who refused to get vaccinated will disrupt prison life.
The Department of Corrections insists there is no problem, but the… Audio
Covid-19: Businesses say government rapid antigen test order ruined plans
Businesses say the government's order of rapid antigen tests has tripped up their pandemic planning.
The Food and Grocery Council says it's members are profoundly disappointed the government has… Audio
