Covid 19

Watch: A total of 123 million rapid antigen tests have been ordered through to June, and the government says it has enough on order to deal with a widespread outbreak.

We are just two months shy of the two-year anniversary of New Zealand's first nationwide lockdown, but for some, the "team of five million" sentiment feels like years ago.

Te Tai Tokerau tourism and hospitality businesses are reporting a quieter Auckland Anniversary weekend than most.

Spotify says it is working to add advisory warnings to any podcast on its platform that discuss Covid-19.

A Covid-19 modeller is forecasting 200 community cases a day of the coronavirus by Wednesday and 400 daily cases by the end of the week.

A temporary Covid-19 testing site will operate in Dannevirke today after the virus was detected in the Tararua town's wastewater.

All staff, patients and visitors to Southern DHB facilities will need to wear a medical grade face mask from now on.

An evolutionary virologist says fully vaccinated people with a booster dose are effectively protected against the Omicron BA.2 mutation. Audio

Explainer - Under the red setting of the traffic light system, many New Zealanders will have to adapt to stricter rules around the use of face masks, RNZ is here to clear it all up.

New Zealand does not have enough nurses or ICU beds, healthcare figures warn, as their workforce braces for Omicron. Audio

People should do everything they can against Omicron, but it's likely large numbers will be infected, the Covid-19 Response Minister says. Audio

A doctor says Samoa is well-prepared to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the community.

There are 24 new community cases of Covid-19 in the community, and 47 new cases in managed isolation and quarantine facilities, health officials say.

Workers at Auckland City Mission are helping plan for food supply disruptions and staffing strain, in case Omicron spreads in the city.

Northlanders are being encouraged to get tested for Covid-19, with two new cases confirmed in the region.

Five Air NZ flights have been linked to nine cases in the Nelson Tasman area, and a crew member has tested positive for the virus.

Doctors are preparing to support people isolating at home when Omicron gets into our community.

The planned Covid-19 response has been updated to adapt for the arrival of Omicron, Manawatū health officials say.

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.

A West Coast kaupapa Māori health provider is holding its first vaccination clinic for tamariki near Hokitika this weekend, as the vaccine rollout is extended to children.