Covid 19
Covid-19: Masks in schools get an upgrade
School teachers across New Zealand will now have to wear medical-grade masks.
While the government has said it has secured an initial supply of appropriate masks for teachers and school workers, with… Audio
Covid-19: Mask maker says ill-fitting masks a hazard
The founder of a New Zealand mask company says he was surprised to hear the government encouraging the use of cloth and surgical masks - when there is ample evidence that face-fitting masks which also… Audio
Covid-19: Concern for aggression towards retail workers
If you're going shopping, there's to be no more scarves, bandanas, or t-shirts pulled up over your face as a mask.
However, there are concerns about aggression towards retail workers who ask for… Audio
Covid-19: How will isolation work in shared households?
It is predicted hundreds of thousands of people will have to self-isolate at home as Omicron spreads through the community.
The government and health officials are urging people to prepare by… Audio
Pfizer and BioNTech start trials of new Omicron-specific jab
Booster doses of original vaccines have been shown to provide good protection against serious illness and death, but protection against infection and mild symptoms is much lower.
Covid-19: National Party say private businesses having trouble accessing rapid antigen tests
The National Party says private businesses are missing out on rapid antigen tests while the government takes up supply, as Omicron looms.
MP Chris Bishop says the Government is scrambling to get… Audio
Covid-19: Expert on new mask and RAT rules
The new mandate on surgical masks for workers and promises of greater availability of rapid antigen tests are welcome news for an epidemiologist - though he wishes they had been made earlier.
… Audio
Covid-19: Foodstuffs North Island on using rapid antigen tests
Foodstuffs North Island was one of 29 businesses that took part in a rapid antigen testing trial lead by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
Its chief executive officer Chris Quin… Audio
Covid-19: Negative rapid antigen test a way out of isolation for critical workers
Critical workers who become close Covid-19 contacts will soon be able to skip lengthy self-isolation periods if they return a negative rapid antigen test.
The Government will today outline the next… Audio
Retailers still face mask resisters and exemption issues, association says
Retail NZ says the new rules around use of masks do not solve the main problems that businesses face.
Next two phases of Omicron response to be revealed today
Officials will announce more details on rapid antigen tests, the treatment of close contacts, and quarantine and isolation periods later today.
Covid-19: Makeshift masks make an exit
Farewell makeshift masks - scarves, bandanas and pulled up t-shirts - it's now no mask, no service.
How easy will it be to enforce the tougher rules?
Kim Moodie reports. Audio
Stranded NZers to learn about self-isolation scheme soon
The prime minister confirmed New Zealanders stuck overseas will learn when they can bypass MIQ and isolate at home in a matter of weeks.
Covid-19: Live music industry mourns early end to summer shows
Those in the live music business are warning latest Covid-19 restrictions will seriously damage the industry.
Freelance music tour manager Sarin Moddle says stakes are high at this time of the year… Audio
Covid-19: NZers overseas wait for MIQ news
New Zealanders overseas will learn in a matter of weeks when they can return home without booking a stay in an MIQ facility.
They've been waiting for an exact date ever since the government delayed… Audio
Lots of booster jabs, new rules for mask wearing explained
Later today we'll find out a bit more about what the next phases of New Zealand's Omicron strategy will look like, It follows yesterday's news that 14.5 million Rapid Antigen Tests will arrive in the… Audio
Brad Olsen explains new Red adaptions for businesses
The jump back to the red alert level means thousands of businesses once again having to adapt to new restrictions. Infometrics Chief Economist Brad Olsen is here to help explain them. Audio
Solomon Islands reports first Covid-19 deaths
Health authorities say they expect more cases in the coming days as community transmission was now widespread in the capital and some provincial areas.
South Auckland GPs brace for surge in Omicron cases
South Auckland GPs say they are preparing for a surge in Omicron cases, but there needs to be more coordination from the Ministry of Health and district health boards to help them deal with the next…
N95 masks not recommended due to supply constraints - Hipkins
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has defended the recommendation that people use the disposable surgical or medical grade masks as opposed to N95s, saying it is an issue of practicality. Audio
