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. The first older COVID-19 patients are experiencing higher levels of cognitive decline

    Publicly released: Wed 9 Mar 2022 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

    JAMA Neurology

    COVID-19 patients over 60 who caught the virus in Wuhan early in the pandemic are experiencing higher rates of cognitive decline, according to a study comparing them with their uninfected ... spouses. Read more about The first older COVID-19 patients are experiencing higher levels of cognitive decline

    InternationalThird Military Medical University, China

  2. Most mRNA vaccine side effects aren't serious

    Publicly released: Tue 8 Mar 2022 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

    The Lancet Infectious Diseases

    In December 2020 two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines – Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1723) – were authorised for emergency use in the USA. ... These reports are categorised as non-serious, Read more about Most mRNA vaccine side effects aren't serious

    InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA

  3. EXPERT REACTION: “Significant” brain changes documented after mild COVID-19

    Publicly released: Tue 8 Mar 2022 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

    Nature

    Neurology: Investigating brain changes following COVID-19 Changes to the human brain, including in areas associated with smell and memory, following SARS-CoV-2 infection are described in ... The effects Read more about EXPERT REACTION: “Significant” brain changes documented after mild COVID-19

    Australia; New Zealand; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; WAUniversity of Oxford, University College London, and Imperial College (UK), National Institutes of Health (US)

  4. These genes might make you more likely to end up in hospital if you get COVID-19

    Publicly released: Tue 8 Mar 2022 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

    Nature

    Genomics: Genetic factors associated with predisposition for COVID-19 critical illness More than 20 host genetic variants that predispose patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 to become Read more about These genes might make you more likely to end up in hospital if you get COVID-19

    Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland | University of Edinburgh, UK

  5. This flu season we need to lookout for animal flu viruses that could infect humans and trigger pandemics

    Publicly released: Mon 7 Mar 2022 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

    Medical Journal of Australia

    The global COVID-19 pandemic has kept flu at bay for two years, but as borders open, flu is expected to come back into Australia, and we must be on the ... Such efforts will be beneficial beyond influenza: Read more about This flu season we need to lookout for animal flu viruses that could infect humans and trigger pandemics

    Australia; VICWHO Influenza Centre (Australia) | The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity ...

  6. Nearly 1 in 10 Kiwis report “excellent” wellbeing in lockdown

    Publicly released: Fri 4 Mar 2022 at 0920 AEDT, 1120 NZDT

    PLOS ONE

    Countering the view that lockdowns are tough for all, a New Zealand survey of 3487 adults has found nine per cent reported excellent wellbeing during 2020’s strict COVID-19 ‘stay ... The team says Read more about Nearly 1 in 10 Kiwis report “excellent” wellbeing in lockdown

    New ZealandUniversity of Otago

  7. Monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab is effective against three Omicron sublineages

    Publicly released: Fri 4 Mar 2022 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

    Nature Medicine

    The findings form part of an analysis that suggests that the three sublineages of Omicron are equally divergent from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and have a similarly comparable effect in ... David Ho and Read more about Monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab is effective against three Omicron sublineages

    InternationalColumbia University, USA

  8. Pfizer vaccine for teens is effective against Delta for up to 4 months

    Publicly released: Fri 4 Mar 2022 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

    JAMA Network Open

    Two doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine remain safe and effective against the Delta strain of COVID for up to 4 months, according to US research. ... The study showed that two doses of the vaccine had high Read more about Pfizer vaccine for teens is effective against Delta for up to 4 months

    InternationalYale School of Medicine, USA

  9. Most children living in out of home care don’t access health services

    Publicly released: Fri 4 Mar 2022 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

    Children and Health Services Review

    Dr McLean said access to these services for vulnerable children were even more vital now given the reported impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health. ... Researchers from The Royal Children’s Read more about Most children living in out of home care don’t access health services

    Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) | The University of Melbourne

  10. COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 1500 AEDT, 1700 NZDT

    In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25 per cent, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization ... year of the Read more about COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide

    Australia; InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO)

  11. WHO recommends Merck's molnupiravir for people at high risk of severe COVID-19

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 1415 AEDT, 1615 NZDT

    The BMJ

    sotrovimab for patients with non-severe covid-19 and against the use of convalescent plasma, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine in patients with covid-19 regardless of disease severity. ... Recommendations Read more about WHO recommends Merck's molnupiravir for people at high risk of severe COVID-19

    Australia; International; VICWorld Health Organization (WHO) | The Royal Melbourne Hospital

  12. COVID-19 widens the gender gap as women bear the brunt of the economic and social impacts

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 1345 AEDT, 1545 NZDT

    The Lancet

    However few studies have examined how gender inequalities have been affected by the indirect health, social, and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic systematically and in detail across Read more about COVID-19 widens the gender gap as women bear the brunt of the economic and social impacts

    InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA

  13. Booster protection against symptomatic Omicron wanes after 10 weeks

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 1245 AEDT, 1445 NZDT

    New England Journal of Medicine

    When it comes to preventing all COVID-19 symptoms, the effectiveness of boosters wanes after 10 weeks, according to a UK study. ... It found that after 20 weeks, two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine had Read more about Booster protection against symptomatic Omicron wanes after 10 weeks

    InternationalU.K. Health Security Agency

  14. Weighing up: What’s the bottom line when it comes to weight loss?

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 1100 AEDT, 1300 NZDT

    BMC Public Health

    Lead researcher Associate Professor Karen Murphy says understanding the costs of weight loss programs is important, especially when people are facing financial struggles and reduced access to fresh Read more about Weighing up: What’s the bottom line when it comes to weight loss?

    Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia

  15. Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for immunocompromised people

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 1001 AEDT, 1201 NZDT

    The BMJ

    Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for immunocompromised patients, especially for organ transplant recipients who are least able to make antibodies to fight off coronavirus, Read more about Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for immunocompromised people

    InternationalNational University of Singapore, Singapore

  16. Harmful superbugs set to make common drugs and treatments less effective, says report

    Publicly released: Thu 3 Mar 2022 at 0800 AEDT, 1000 NZDT

    The report warns against losing focus on other infectious diseases in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for lessons to be learned from the pandemic, including the promotion ... The report Read more about Harmful superbugs set to make common drugs and treatments less effective, says report

    New ZealandOffice of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor

  17. Biomarker discovery measures COVID-19 heart disease risk

    Publicly released: Wed 2 Mar 2022 at 2044 AEDT, 2244 NZDT

    Analytical Chemistry

    Published today in Analytical Chemistry, ANPC Director and lead author Professor Jeremy Nicholson said the research has now provided a quantitative measurement that will detect increased ... The ANPC team Read more about Biomarker discovery measures COVID-19 heart disease risk

    Australia; International; WAMurdoch University | Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute

  18. Hog's breath the key to more effective masks and ventilation

    Publicly released: Wed 2 Mar 2022 at 1101 AEDT, 1301 NZDT

    Journal of the Royal Society Interface

    easier. The researchers say because this design is easy to replicate, it could potentially help with shortages of protective equipment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Researchers say the design is easy Read more about Hog's breath the key to more effective masks and ventilation

    InternationalCornell University, USA

  19. Are medicines affecting our response to infections like COVID-19?

    Publicly released: Wed 2 Mar 2022 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

    British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

    Are medicines affecting our response to infections like COVID-19? Some common drugs can help and others hinder immune responses A wide-reaching global review has found that some of the ... With the urgent Read more about Are medicines affecting our response to infections like COVID-19?

    Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney

  20. JobSeeker and Commonwealth Rent Assistance reform urgently needed to lift up to 1 million Australians out of severe poverty

    Publicly released: Wed 2 Mar 2022 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

    Released today (Mar 2) by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, the ‘Behind the Line: Poverty and disadvantage in Australia 2022’ report has revealed the COVID-19 pandemic has forced housing Read more about JobSeeker and Commonwealth Rent Assistance reform urgently needed to lift up to 1 million Australians out of severe poverty

    Australia; WACurtin University

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