Resources for Journalists

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain, that has not been previously identified in humans. See below for a collection of resources to help you cover this issue (Please note: additional resources are available to journalists who are logged in).

The AusSMC also issues a daily COVID-19 update for registered journalists (click here to view an example). If you would like to receive this email, please go to your profile on MyScimex and select yes beside "Receive COVID-19 Updates?". The email update and this resources page are supported by the Google News Initiative.

Latest COVID-19 news, research, expert reactions and briefings

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  1. Current strain of COVID-19 still seems to be more deadly than flu

    Publicly released: Fri 7 Apr 2023 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

    European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)

    Please credit the congress if you use this story Adults hospitalised with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant have a higher death rate than those hospitalised with seasonal influenza, even though Read more about Current strain of COVID-19 still seems to be more deadly than flu

    InternationalRabin Medical Center at Belinison Hospital, Israel

  2. Masks in hospitals may not have major impact on Omicron transmission

    Publicly released: Fri 7 Apr 2023 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

    European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (EECMID)

    week when the Omicron variant became dominant) and 10th September 2022 (when universal COVID-19 screening on admission by PCR stopped) to examine hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections in relation Read more about Masks in hospitals may not have major impact on Omicron transmission

    InternationalSt George’s University Hospital, UK

  3. Early samples from Wuhan market contained COVID-19 virus alongside animal DNA

    Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 1015 AEST | 1215 NZST

    Nature

    The results of the highly anticipated study support the claim that SARS-CoV-2 was prevalent in the Huanan Seafood Market during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, although ... Although these Read more about Early samples from Wuhan market contained COVID-19 virus alongside animal DNA

    InternationalChinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

  4. How can you counteract a conspiracy theorist's beliefs?

    Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

    PLOS ONE

    Cian O’Mahony of University College Cork, Ireland, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on April 5. ... Evidence from prior studies suggests that belief in Read more about How can you counteract a conspiracy theorist's beliefs?

    InternationalUniversity College Cork, Cork, Ireland

  5. Japanese Encephalitis warning in the lead up to Easter holidays

    Publicly released: Wed 5 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

    Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

    A rapid review of what we know about Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outlines the serious risk that the virus poses, with residents and travellers in South-Eastern Australia only recently being exposed Read more about Japanese Encephalitis warning in the lead up to Easter holidays

    Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; ACTVictorian Government|The Australian National University

  6. Long COVID symptoms in young people could be just as common in those who haven't had COVID-19

    Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 1015 AEDT | 1215 NZDT

    JAMA Network Open

    Symptoms often considered to be signs of long COVID in young people could be just as common in young people who have not had the virus, according to international and Australian ... The team clinically Read more about Long COVID symptoms in young people could be just as common in those who haven't had COVID-19

    Australia; International; NSWWestern Sydney University|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney...

  7. Mystery rise in childhood hepatitis linked to common virus

    Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    Nature

    In an accompanying News & Views, Frank Tacke considers the part played by COVID-19 lockdowns. ... The wave of hepatitis in spring 2022 coincided with the relaxation of COVID-19 measures around the globe, Read more about Mystery rise in childhood hepatitis linked to common virus

    Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|University of California, USA (paper 1), University of Glasgow, UK (Paper 2), University College London, UK (paper 3)

  8. The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

    Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

    between 2017–18 to 2021–22, while the rate of young people aged 10–17 fell by 29% (from 19 to 13 per 10,000),’ said AIHW spokesperson Amanda Donges. ... Ms Donges noted the full impact of COVID-19 Read more about The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

    AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

  9. Cities used to be a better place for child development, but that could be changing

    Publicly released: Thu 30 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    Nature

    The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, an international group of 1,500 researchers and physicians, collated height and weight data from 71 million young people, aged 5–19 years old, who lived Read more about Cities used to be a better place for child development, but that could be changing

    Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WAFlinders University|The University of Sydney|The University of Queensland...

  10. COVID-19 vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

    Publicly released: Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

    Cell Reports Medicine

    undertook the most comprehensive analysis of adaptive SARS-CoV-2 immunity to date in haematology patients of varying diseases and treatments across three doses of COVID-19 vaccination in comparison Read more about COVID-19 vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

    Australia; VICThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity...

  11. Severe respiratory infections during pregnancy associated with some congenital cardiovascular defects

    Publicly released: Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 0945 AEDT | 1145 NZDT

    BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

    Impacts of COVID-19 Several other questions remain, including the impacts of COVID-19, which emerged after the study period of 2001-2016. ... So far from other studies there is no evidence that COVID-19 Read more about Severe respiratory infections during pregnancy associated with some congenital cardiovascular defects

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  12. Women, children and families bear brunt of homelessness

    Publicly released: Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

    The number of Queensland women and children experiencing homelessness would now be much higher than the just-released Census data due to the impact of COVID, population movement into the state, Read more about Women, children and families bear brunt of homelessness

    Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)

  13. Can't be bothered getting another COVID-19 vaccine? Would cash convince you?

    Publicly released: Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    Nature Medicine

    With only around 45% of the eligible Australian population having had four or more doses of COVID-19 vaccines, it seems people may be getting tired of the repeated requests to ... The researchers found Read more about Can't be bothered getting another COVID-19 vaccine? Would cash convince you?

    InternationalMedical University of Vienna, Austria

  14. Having a COVID-19 booster while pregnant lowers your baby's risk

    Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    Nature Medicine

    The team monitored COVID-19-related hospitalisations among nearly 50,000 babies born in Israel, and the vaccination records of their mums during periods of Delta and Omicron spread. ... They say for third Read more about Having a COVID-19 booster while pregnant lowers your baby's risk

    InternationalHebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

  15. People with severe COVID-19 could use Paxlovid to stop long-COVID

    Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    JAMA Internal Medicine

    For people with COVID-19 and at least one risk factor for progression to severe disease, treatment with the antiviral medication nirmatrelvir - otherwise known as Paxlovid - within five days of a Read more about People with severe COVID-19 could use Paxlovid to stop long-COVID

    InternationalVA St Louis Health Care System, USA

  16. What factors increase your risk of developing long-COVID?

    Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    JAMA Internal Medicine

    The team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 studies including 860,000 patients to determine what risk factors were associated with long-COVID. ... g. , age and sex), comorbidities, and Read more about What factors increase your risk of developing long-COVID?

    InternationalNorfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK

  17. Governments gave a poor level of support for people stranded overseas during COVID-19

    Publicly released: Wed 22 Mar 2023 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

    European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)

    Alarming rates of depression and anxiety In further research to examine the psychological and financial impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the team surveyed more than 2,400 individuals stranded Read more about Governments gave a poor level of support for people stranded overseas during COVID-19

    Australia; New Zealand; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  18. Bad at baking? A 3D printer could one day do it for you

    Publicly released: Wed 22 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    npj Science of Food

    Peanut butter and Nutella were best used as supporting layers to form pools to hold the softer ingredients: banana and jam. ... Additionally, with more emphasis on food safety following the COVID-19 Read more about Bad at baking? A 3D printer could one day do it for you

    InternationalColumbia University, USA

  19. How a Scottish minimum unit price on alcohol prevented 150 alcohol-related deaths per year

    Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

    The Lancet

    The authors acknowledge some limitations to the study, including that there was an impact on hospital capacity and attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increases the uncertainty of the Read more about How a Scottish minimum unit price on alcohol prevented 150 alcohol-related deaths per year

    Australia; International; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|La Trobe University

  20. New Zealand’s low excess mortality during the Omicron outbreak a 'remarkable success"

    Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 1048 AEDT | 1248 NZDT

    Frontiers in Public Health

    Of four territories that transitioned from a “zero-COVID” policy to a “living-with-COVID” policy following the Omicron outbreak in 2022, New Zealand was the only one that maintained a Read more about New Zealand’s low excess mortality during the Omicron outbreak a 'remarkable success"

    Australia; New Zealand; InternationalThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  21. What do we know about COVID-19's impact on Aussie kids?

    Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    Australian Journal of Social Issues

    Research from across Australia shows children of different ages and different social situations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways still being discovered, according to Aussie Read more about What do we know about COVID-19's impact on Aussie kids?

    Australia; VIC; ACTThe Australian National University|The University of Melbourne...

  22. Men bearing the brunt of alcohol-related injury and death in Australia

    Publicly released: Tue 21 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

    There were 20% fewer alcohol-related injury hospitalisations during April 2020 – a period affected by COVID-19 lockdowns – compared to the same month the previous year. ... However, alcohol-related Read more about Men bearing the brunt of alcohol-related injury and death in Australia

    AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

  23. Paxlovid could slash Covid death rate

    Publicly released: Sat 18 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    JAMA Health Forum

    They estimated the Covid-19 antiviral is only being taken by 5% of those eligible to receive it, resulting in the overall Covid-19 hospitalisation and mortality rates being lowered by ... However when Read more about Paxlovid could slash Covid death rate

    InternationalBrown University, USA

  24. EXPERT REACTION: Lord Howe Island closed to tourists over myrtle rust risk

    Publicly released: Fri 17 Mar 2023 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

    Much of Lord Howe Island in NSW has been closed to non-essential visitors in a bid to protect the island from the threat of myrtle rust. ... The disease-causing fungus was first detected on the island Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Lord Howe Island closed to tourists over myrtle rust risk

    Australia; NSW; QLDAustralian Science Media Centre

  25. World’s strongest MRI investigates COVID and chronic fatigue impacts on the brain

    Publicly released: Wed 15 Mar 2023 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

    Frontiers in Neuroscience

    Griffith University researchers have used an ultra-high field MRI (7 Tesla) to investigate how COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) mirror the same effects on the Read more about World’s strongest MRI investigates COVID and chronic fatigue impacts on the brain

    Australia; QLDGriffith University|The University of Queensland

  26. Pandemic stress had a greater impact on those who were pregnant

    Publicly released: Wed 15 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    JAMA Network Open

    A follow-up study, published today in JAMA Network Open, looked at COVID-19 related stress in the postpartum period, 1. ... Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 related stress was associated with more mental health Read more about Pandemic stress had a greater impact on those who were pregnant

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  27. Checking children’s wellbeing: before and after COVID-19

    Publicly released: Tue 14 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    Australian Journal of Social Issues

    The study was originally just focused on children’s overall wellbeing, however the advent of COVID presented a new assessment window, with one cohort having played the game twice before any Read more about Checking children’s wellbeing: before and after COVID-19

    Australia; QLD; WA; TASGriffith University

  28. Sleeping well could help boost the effectiveness of vaccines

    Publicly released: Tue 14 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

    Current Biology

    When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and mass-vaccination became an international priority, Spiegel and Van Cauter set out to summarize our current knowledge about the effect of sleep duration on Read more about Sleeping well could help boost the effectiveness of vaccines

    InternationalCentre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, France

  29. Decoding dragons and devils, what triggers volcanoes, and more: Australia’s stars of science

    Publicly released: Tue 14 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

    From investigating the structure of space-time to the inner workings of volcanoes and the genetics of sex—twenty-two scientists are today recognised by the Australian Academy of Science for Read more about Decoding dragons and devils, what triggers volcanoes, and more: Australia’s stars of science

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; ACTAustralian Academy of Science

  30. Finding the diet myths ‘hidden’ in social media

    Publicly released: Mon 13 Mar 2023 at 1300 AEDT | 1500 NZDT

    Journal of Sociology

    Dr Smith said the research provided insight into how easily misinformation spread in an online genre that mixed correct and incorrect information. ... In addition, the destabilising environment of the Read more about Finding the diet myths ‘hidden’ in social media

    Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast|Federation University Australia

  31. Kids’ COVID calculator to better inform parents

    Publicly released: Mon 13 Mar 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

    Parents can now use a ‘COVID calculator’ to help weigh up the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations for their children. ... The calculator was initially designed to help adults make an informed Read more about Kids’ COVID calculator to better inform parents

    Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland

  32. Smoking rates surge during COVID-19

    Publicly released: Fri 10 Mar 2023 at 1115 AEDT | 1315 NZDT

    Nicotine and Tobacco Research

    Tobacco and nicotine consumption have been decreasing in Australia, however the COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily disrupted this trend,” Dr Thai said. ... The introduction of lockdowns, social Read more about Smoking rates surge during COVID-19

    Australia; QLD; SAThe University of Queensland

  33. How to protect classrooms against Covid-19 and other infections

    Publicly released: Fri 10 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

    New Zealand Medical Journal

    They say schools should be one of the safest places for children to be, and their access to learning should be protected during public health emergencies. ... Instead, Aotearoa New Zealand’s "business-as Read more about How to protect classrooms against Covid-19 and other infections

    New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Massey University|Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust

  34. Mental health may not have gotten much worse during the pandemic after all

    Publicly released: Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 1710 AEDT | 1910 NZDT

    The BMJ

    Mental health among the general public has not changed by large amounts during the covid-19 pandemic compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to international research. ... To address this, Read more about Mental health may not have gotten much worse during the pandemic after all

    InternationalJewish General Hospital, Canada

  35. Long Covid is much less likely after omicron than after the original strain

    Publicly released: Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 1001 AEDT | 1201 NZDT

    European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2023)

    The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is much less likely to lead to long Covid than the variant circulating at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new ... why. ” Dr Strahm assessed rates of Read more about Long Covid is much less likely after omicron than after the original strain

    InternationalCantonal Hospital St Gallen, Switzerland

  36. Moving on from COVID-19 means facing its impact on mental health

    Publicly released: Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 0715 AEDT | 0915 NZDT

    Frontiers in Psychiatry

    A new review on the global mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic confirms feared increases in depression and anxiety, with leading experts saying little has been done to address ... first-of-its-ki Read more about Moving on from COVID-19 means facing its impact on mental health

    Australia; NSW; ACTThe University of Sydney|The Australian National University

  37. Silicon, gold and copper among new weapons against COVID-19

    Publicly released: Tue 7 Mar 2023 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

    Chemical Science

    New Curtin research has found the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, a strain of coronaviruses that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, become trapped when they come into contact with silicon, ... Published in Read more about Silicon, gold and copper among new weapons against COVID-19

    Australia; International; WACurtin University

  38. Victorians sought for trial of immune responses to fourth COVID-19 vaccine

    Publicly released: Tue 7 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

    Antibody levels are used to determine immunity against COVID-19. The trial will monitor how antibodies change over time and how this differs in the control and vaccine groups and in ... All countries are Read more about Victorians sought for trial of immune responses to fourth COVID-19 vaccine

    Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)

  39. NZ-made Covid-19 booster vaccine offers 100% protection in mice

    Publicly released: Fri 3 Mar 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

    iScience

    The "Kiwi Vax" vaccine provides complete protection against Covid-19 - including the Omicron variant - and prevents the virus from replicating in mice exposed to it, according to a preclinical study. Read more about NZ-made Covid-19 booster vaccine offers 100% protection in mice

    Australia; New Zealand; VICMalaghan Institute of Medical Research|Victoria University of Wellington...

  40. How effective are our COVID-19 booster vaccines as new variants emerge?

    Publicly released: Fri 3 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    Nature Medicine

    severe COVID-19 and variant-modified vaccines may provide additional protection even if they come up against a different variant to the one they are designed to target. ... 6 times better immunity against Read more about How effective are our COVID-19 booster vaccines as new variants emerge?

    Australia; NSW; VICKirby Institute, UNSW Sydney|The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity...

  41. COVID-19 jab may lessen severity and duration of ‘long COVID’

    Publicly released: Wed 1 Mar 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

    BMJ Medicine

    CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, may lessen the severity and duration of ‘long COVID’ in those with persistent symptoms after infection, suggests a study that closely imitates Read more about COVID-19 jab may lessen severity and duration of ‘long COVID’

    Australia; International; QLDBond University|Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France; See papers for full list of author affiliations

  42. Science rejected, lives lost – how society can do better

    Publicly released: Tue 28 Feb 2023 at 1516 AEDT | 1716 NZDT

    Clinical Infectious Diseases

    through the air, at a time when the World Health Organisation declared “COVID-19 is NOT airborne” and “there is no specific evidence to suggest the wearing of masks by the ... Such transparency Read more about Science rejected, lives lost – how society can do better

    Australia; NSW; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|The University of New South Wales

  43. Babies born preterm decreased slightly and stillborn rates unchanged during first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns

    Publicly released: Tue 28 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    Nature Human Behavior

    Babies born preterm decreased and stillborn rates remained unchanged during the first four months of COVID-19 lockdowns, according to a largescale international study. ... Research at a Glance: A Read more about Babies born preterm decreased slightly and stillborn rates unchanged during first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns

    Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; WAMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of New South Wales...

  44. Myocarditis and pericarditis after Pfizer vaccination could be rarer in younger teens

    Publicly released: Tue 28 Feb 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

    JAMA Pediatrics

    The rate of teens who experience rare heart conditions myocarditis or pericarditis after receiving a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could be lower in younger teens compared to those nearing adulthood, Read more about Myocarditis and pericarditis after Pfizer vaccination could be rarer in younger teens

    InternationalPublic Health Ontario, Canada

  45. Going viral: Visual communication in the era of COVID-19 and social media

    Publicly released: Mon 27 Feb 2023 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

    Frontiers

    That’s because of the virus’ incubation period – the ‘lag’ between people being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and developing the symptoms of Covid-19. ... When more infectious and immune Read more about Going viral: Visual communication in the era of COVID-19 and social media

    New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|The Spinoff, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

  46. Simplified HIV treatment options just as effective

    Publicly released: Thu 23 Feb 2023 at 0815 AEDT | 1015 NZDT

    Conference of Opportunistic Infections

    Understanding the pros and cons of different treatment approaches is important to guide decision making. ... The Kirby Institute has a large clinical network and participating sites have done an immense Read more about Simplified HIV treatment options just as effective

    InternationalThe University of New South Wales|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney

  47. Celebrity tweets swayed negative public opinion about COVID-19 in the USA

    Publicly released: Wed 22 Feb 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

    BMJ Health & Care Informatics

    People have increasingly turned to social media networks to share their thoughts and feelings on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, note the researchers. ... And the consistent emotional content Read more about Celebrity tweets swayed negative public opinion about COVID-19 in the USA

    InternationalThe University of Tennessee

  48. Women may avoid chronic illness with a little help from their friends

    Publicly released: Wed 22 Feb 2023 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

    General Psychiatry

    Lockdowns during COVID-19 have shown the importance of social connection to health, yet global health strategies don’t include it as a risk factor for chronic disease. ... The research was conducted as Read more about Women may avoid chronic illness with a little help from their friends

    Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland

  49. Possible COVID-19 blood clot connection revealed

    Publicly released: Wed 22 Feb 2023 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

    Cell Reports Medicine

    The vaccines are alike in the sense that they induce the immune system to recognise and protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but they differ in how this is achieved. ... The Pfizer vaccine uses mRNA Read more about Possible COVID-19 blood clot connection revealed

    Australia; NSW; VIC; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)...

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