Covid 19
MIQ's purpose would change with Omicron spread - Baker
Border restrictions are still needed, and MIQ will remain valuable even if Omicron is spreading widely in the community, the epidemiologist says.
Red traffic light 'not good enough at stopping transmission' - Wiles
Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles is "really worried" about the government's plan for an Omicron outbreak, warning the red traffic light setting will not be enough to slow the variant down.
Manawatū health planning reshaped for Omicron
The planned Covid-19 response has been updated to adapt for the arrival of Omicron, Manawatū health officials say.
Auckland DHBs brace for 1800 Omicron cases a day
New modelling suggests Auckland will face well over 1000 daily Omicron cases at the peak of a potential outbreak, but some are concerned the projections are underestimating the real risk.
Several ways Omicron case may have caught virus - health expert
A health expert believes a now-confirmed Omicron case in Palmerston North could have laid dormant for the duration of the person's MIQ stay and five negative tests.
Rangitīkei Māori leader urges rural people to prepare now for Omicron
An iwi development and social services leader in Taihape is urging rural people to prepare urgently for self-isolation or infection as the threat of Omicron looms.
Bluff Oyster and Food Festival cancelled due to Covid-19 threat
The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival has been cancelled due to the threat of Covid-19 outbreaks and rapid changes to traffic light settings.
Nine new Covid-19 cases in Nelson-Tasman 'timely reminder to get tested'
There are nine new cases of Covid-19 in Nelson and Tasman, all from the same household.
Murupara GP to be suspended pending further investigation
Doctor Bernard Conlon says he has received notification from the Medical Council of New Zealand that it intends to suspend him ahead of the investigation into the various complaints laid against him.
NSW records 46 Covid-19 deaths, Victoria reports 20
New South Wales has recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic - 46 deaths with Covid-19, while Victoria today recorded 20 deaths.
Covid-19 update: Omicron case confirmed in Palmerston North
A case of Covid-19 detected in Palmerston North has been confirmed to be the Omicron variant.
Covid-19: Three new cases reported in Hawke's Bay
Three new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Hawke's Bay, bringing the number of active cases in the region to nine.
Northland businesses wake to reduced restrictions: 'Orange is a step forward'
Northlanders have expressed mixed reactions over the government's decision to move Te Tai Tokerau to the 'orange' traffic light setting overnight. Audio
Auckland hospitals prepare for pressure on system when Omicron spreads
Modelling for when Omicron hits suggests a peak of 190 Covid-19 patients in hospital on any given day, based on a prediction of about 1800 community cases a day in the city. Audio
NZers urged to prepare for daily Omicron infections
New Zealanders are being urged to prepare for potentially thousands of daily Covid-19 infections once the Omicron variant starts spreading in the community. Audio
Covid-19: Govt cites privacy concerns over call to release Māori child vax data
The Ministry of Health says it will have to consult with a number of parties, including the privacy commissioner, before considering releasing data on Māori children who are eligible for the Covid-19…
Gisborne Hospital expects up to third of staff may be off work in Omicron outbreak
Hauora Tairāwhiti is anticipating up to a third of staff might be out of action ill or isolating when Omicron inevitably sweeps into the community.
Covid-19 analyst calls for Māori and Pasifika priority in under-12s vaccinations
A Covid-19 Māori health analyst is calling on the government to prioritise Māori and Pasifika children in the 5-11 years vaccine rollout or risk the consequences of a "brown pandemic".
Māori leaders see red at Northland's shift to orange
Te Tai Tokerau Border Control has hit out at today's decision to shift Te Tai Tokerau - Northland - to orange in the Covid-19 traffic light system.
Covid-19: Victoria reports rise in hospitalisations, teen among deaths in Queensland
Victoria's Covid-19 hospitalisations have risen today, while NSW's Covid-19 hospitalisations have dropped, and a teen is among nine new Covid-19 deaths in Queensland.
