Michael Baker, University of Otago; David Welch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Dion O'Neale, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The pre-Christmas period puts New Zealanders at high risk of exposure to COVID. Even at small gatherings of ten people, the probability someone has the virus has increased from 2-3% to about 15%.
In this November 1918 photo, a nurse tends to a patient in the influenza ward of the Walter Reed hospital in Bethesda, Md.
AP Photo/Harris & Ewing via Library of Congress
During the 1918 flu pandemic, white people died at similar rates to Black Americans, according to a new study – a very different pattern than what occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Masks are an easy and low-cost way to reduce the amount of virus entering the air and spreading to others.
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Nurses who identify as Democrats have a significantly higher likelihood of having their children vaccinated against COVID-19 than those who identify as Republicans.
Paternal and maternal genes drive fetal development in different directions.
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New Zealand’s proportion of reinfections is now at 17% of new cases. As new variants continue to proliferate, vaccine boosters would protect those most vulnerable and reduce the risk of long COVID.
Whether a wastewater sample is taken at the street level or a treatment plant affects the size of the group of people it represents.
University of Louisville
Public health officials monitor sewage in local communities to track COVID, polio, flu and more. But no one asks the people being monitored for their permission – raising some questions and concerns.
The zoning policies that planners introduced to create vibrant and resilient mixed-use neighbourhoods have had the opposite effect, as services and residential developments crowd out light industry.
Family and household resources were critical to individuals who struggled with both employment income and savings during COVID-19.
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Supports that were crucial in helping Canadians with disabilities stay afloat during COVID-19 are no longer available, causing concern from many about their economic future.
New Zealand has done better than most countries by taking decisive action at the start of the COVID pandemic. Now is the time to build on this with a science-based strategy to manage the next stages.
Hospitality staff are no longer required to wear masks.
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Michael Plank, University of Canterbury and David Welch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The decision to remove the testing requirement for international arrivals seems shortsighted. All outbreaks in Aotearoa have been caused by new variants coming across the border.
Exposure to diverse microbes boosts our immunity, while spending time in nature restores wellbeing. And COVID reminds us of the risks of new viruses when we intrude on and degrade natural habitats.
Disinformation can derail public health measures vital to controlling the spread of infectious disease.
AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The spread of misinformation in many pandemics, including the smallpox and 1918 influenza outbreaks, have undermined efforts to contain infections and prevent deaths.
There is still much about these reports that remains unclear – but, in any case, it is inappropriate for a government to act with secrecy on such matters.
With governments seemingly giving up their responsibility to keep people safe, it is time for businesses to take the lead on health and safety.
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
We expect businesses to be more socially and environmentally responsible by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating harmful business practices — why don’t we do the same for COVID-19?
A new study finds a three-year trial of the ‘reflective circles’ approach to peer support offers a way forward for teachers whose already stressful jobs have become even tougher during the pandemic.
A new study of academic integrity policies and practices at 41 Australian universities found little evidence of changes to deal with cheating and academic misconduct arising from online assessment.
Millions of U.S. children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years will soon be eligible for COVID-19 shots.
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The FDA’s authorization of COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 4 years will bring relief for millions of parents. Pending CDC endorsement, shots for this group will be available within days.