Covid 19

An Australian dad who spent 10 days in managed isolation while his son was fighting for his life in Dunedin Hospital has praised New Zealand's border control.

The Chinese city of Tianjin has started a new round of testing of its 14 million residents to block the Omicron variant, as financial analysts warn of the growing economic cost of Covid-19…

The Northern Bass music festival in Northland has been cancelled with organisers citing low vaccination rates and the growing threat of Omicron as reasons for their decision.

Only about 12.8 percent of Quebec residents are not vaccinated, but they make up nearly half of all hospital cases. The fee has not yet been decided, but will be "significant".

There are 28 new community cases of Covid-19 and 65 in MIQ facilities today, as well as two further deaths, the Health Ministry has announced.

New Zealand should try to delay letting Omicron into the community for as long possible to prepare for when the variant does arrive, a researcher says. Audio

A surge in Covid-19 infections across India is not deterring Hindu worshippers who are expected to gather on the riverbanks on Friday and Saturday.

New data from a financial agency shows mental health funding levels are behind community demand as a result of Covid-19 and housing issues.

The United States has reported at least 1.13 million new coronavirus infections in a day, the highest daily total of any country in the world.

Pfizer's chief executive says the company could have a redesigned Covid-19 vaccine that specifically targets the Omicron coronavirus variant ready to launch by March.

There are reports dozens of people were asked to attend a drinks event in the UK prime minister's garden during the first lockdown.

It's been described by an expert as a lockdown in NSW without public health orders.

The union representing senior salaried doctors says there is growing anxiety about the Omicron variant among hospital staff in an already burnt out workforce.

Northland missed out on a tourism support package, despite Ministry of Social Development advice recommending it be included, a briefing obtained by RNZ shows.

There are 14 new cases of Covid-19 in the community and nine in MIQ reported today.

University of Otago epidemiologist Amanda Kvalsvig says a delayed start would buy more time to get more kids vaccinated, but another expert says the suggestion is an overreaction.

Christchurch City Council has slapped the organisers of anti-government protests with a bill for more than $14,000 for costs incurred during its rallies.

As Victoria records 37,994 new cases and 13 deaths, the number of patients in hospitals with Covid-19 has risen to its highest level since the pandemic began.

Covid-19 hospitalisations in US reached a high of 132,646, according to a Reuters tally, surpassing the record of 132,051 set in January last year, amid a surge of the Omicron variant.

A lakeside MIQ facility opens in Rotorua today with an organiser calling it 'one of the most beautiful spots' to isolate in.