Covid 19
Solomons capital in lockdown, possible Covid-19 community transmission
The lockdown in the capital was initiated after a passenger on a ferry that travelled from Ontong Java to Honiara tested positive for the virus.
Northland's traffic light setting future to be revealed
Cabinet ministers met yesterday to decide whether it is tweaking settings that have all regions at orange except Te Tai Tokerau - it has remained in red over the summer break. Audio
No reason to keep Northland in red - iwi health provider
A Te Tai Tokerau iwi health provider believes the region can shift to orange under the Covid-19 traffic light system.
Northland is currently in red.
The Government will today announce decisions from… Audio
Northland's chance to move out of red today
The Government will announce today whether Northland will remain in red under the Covid-19 traffic light system.
Cabinet ministers met yesterday to decide whether to tweak the settings.
Currently… Audio
Covid-19: Omicron spreading in some Pacific countries
Covid-19 cases around the Pacific are prompting concerns of a third wave of the virus.
Papua New Guinea has confirmed its first case of the Omicron variant, and it's also spreading in Fiji.
In the… Audio
Covid-19: govt to update traffic light settings today
The Labour Party caucus is meeting today in New Plymouth for its annual get-together.
And midway through the retreat, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will also announce if Northland will move to… Audio
Mystery around housemates of Omicron case after negative tests
The Ministry of Health has confirmed the airport worker who tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday has the Omicron variant.
The Ministry released the genome sequencing results late last night.
A… Audio
Three Auckland nightclubs listed as Covid-19 locations of interest
Three central Auckland nightclubs have been listed as Covid-19 'close contact' locations of interest.
Plans for more legal action over Māori data: 'How many times do we have to go to court'
The Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency says it plans to take further legal action against the Ministry of Health to get it to release data on Māori children who are now eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Hipkins defends night-time announcement online on MIQ hold
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins fronted to media after a decision yesterday to delay the next MIQ release due to an increase in Omicron cases at the border.
Covid-19: NSW, Victoria bring forward booster, Queensland to open international border
New South Wales has recorded another 32 deaths from Covid-19, Victoria reports 20,769 new cases and Queensland opens its international border while reporting 19,932 cases.
Covid-19 update: 24 new community cases, 56 in MIQ
There are 24 new community cases of Covid-19, including one case of the Omicron variant which was announced yesterday but added to today's count.
Cabinet ministers to assess Covid-19 traffic light settings today
As well as the regional traffic light restrictions, ministers are likely to also discuss the traffic light system's broader parameters, the planned border reopening, and testing requirements. Audio
Business costs increase amid pandemic and rising inflation
Businesses are putting off investment decisions, as uncertainty about the pandemic sours economic expectations.
The latest Institute of Economic Research Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows a… Audio
Australia records deadliest day of pandemic
Australia has recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic.
77 people around the country have died with Covid-19, with nearly half of those deaths from New South Wales.
While overall COVID cases… Audio
Unions preparing for staff shortages due to Omicron
The transport and freight industry says it may need to be more flexible with prioritising products, if a Covid-19 outbreak hits supply chains.
Supermarkets are already stockpiling and industries are… Audio
Industries prepare for Omicron outbreak
There may be less beer and fewer deals on high priced items like televisions, if a Covid-19 outbreak hits supply chains.
Supermarkets are already stockpiling and industries are planning for Omicron… Audio
Overseas NZers disappointed MIQ room release cancelled
Thursday's MIQ room release has been postponed - just two days from when it was scheduled.
The head of MIQ Chris Bunny released a statement last night, saying the decision was made due to the… Audio
Māori health experts worried NZ not ready for Omicron
The Ministry of Health has admitted the traffic light system may need to be strengthened in the face of an Omicron Covid-19 outbreak.
The Government's due to share its plans for how it will deal… Audio
Govt reviewing covid settings at first Cabinet meeting of 2021
Cabinet ministers meet this afternoon to review the traffic light settings across the country, and decide whether Northland should drop from red to orange.
This meeting - Cabinet's first of the year… Audio