There are 6 new cases of COVID-19 in managed isolation, four of which are historical. There is one new community case, linked to the Auckland February cases, who is already in quarantine.

Researchers from Massey University and the University of Warwick have found that non-dairy stock farmers are just as likely to get infected with leptospirosis as dairy farmers, proving the disease is no longer dominant in one farming sector.

The future of general practice is in good hands after two of the highest pass rates in recent years were achieved by registrars (trainee GPs) in their recent clinical and written exams.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand has arrived at a key point in its pandemic response, with today’s first vaccinations of border workers.

Ahead of the virtual meeting of G7 leaders hosted by the UK government on Friday 19 February, Amnesty International has warned that failure to ensure global access to vaccines represents an abject moral failure that will ultimately harm rich countries.

A small group of vaccinators have given and received their first COVID-19 vaccinations this afternoon (19 February) as part of final preparations before tomorrow’s rollout of New Zealand’s immunisation programme.

Waitematā DHB’s community alcohol and drug service (CADS) is leading the way with a specialised programme for pacific youth who experience alcohol and/or drug issues.

Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) was found in Lake Pegasus.

There is one new case of COVID-19 in the community linked to the existing Auckland February cases.

The health warning issued earlier this month for Lake Kainui has now been lifted, after two consecutive tests showed cyanobacterial levels to be once again below the warning level.