Omicron outbreak likely within 10 days: Baker

Omicron outbreak likely within 10 days: Baker
The government this week began outlining plans for dealing with an imminent omicron outbreak. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
A nationwide return to the ‘red’ traffic light setting is likely before the end of the month because of the rate of border failures involving the omicron variant, says one of the country’s leading observers of the covid-19 pandemic.“I would be surprised if we didn’t have an outbreak by the end of the month,” Otago University epidemiologist Michael Baker told BusinessDesk.In a blog post published this morning on the university’s Public Health Expert blog, a paper co-authored by Baker suggests that an out...

More Coronavirus

Covid projects 'let down' by 'absence of clear records'
Policy

Covid projects 'let down' by 'absence of clear records'

The auditor general says too little was documented about why decisions were made.

Pattrick Smellie 13 Dec 2023
MicroGEM parent owes $44m according to UK liquidator
Finance

MicroGEM parent owes $44m according to UK liquidator

The court ruled the company made unlawful deductions from wages.

Riley Kennedy 30 Oct 2023
MicroGEM’s staff went 222 days without pay before resigning
Finance

MicroGEM’s staff went 222 days without pay before resigning

Personal grievances, threatening emails and now a director wants to start again.

Riley Kennedy 17 Oct 2023
Govt scraps last remaining covid-19 rules
Coronavirus

Govt scraps last remaining covid-19 rules

Due to falling risk, the government has done away with the remaining covid-19 public health requirements, effective overnight.The last rules on seven days of mandatory isolation and wearing face masks when visiting health care facilities will no longer apply from midnight Monday....

Staff reporters 14 Aug 2023