Resources for Journalists

Mask wearing can reduce the spread of COVID-19

Publicly released: Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 1430 AEDT, 1630 NZDT

The BMJ

social measures, including handwashing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are associated with reductions in the incidence covid-19 and should be continued alongside vaccination, suggest experts Read more about Mask wearing can reduce the spread of COVID-19

New analysis predicts how well vaccines will work against COVID-19 strains such as Delta – and why we need boosters

Publicly released: Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 1214 AEDT, 1414 NZDT

Vaccines have had an incredible impact in controlling the current COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to provide very good protection. ... That’s a huge win for the battle against COVID-19. ”<ENDS>The Read more about New analysis predicts how well vaccines will work against COVID-19 strains such as Delta – and why we need boosters

Parental depression could affect kids' mental health and education

Publicly released: Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 0600 AEDT, 0800 NZDT

PLOS One

researchers who say this has never been more important than after lockdown and COVID. ... This has never been more important than after lockdown and COVID, as depression is contagious too. Read more about Parental depression could affect kids' mental health and education

What did helplines hear from people struggling during the pandemic?

Publicly released: Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

Nature

The direct mental health impacts of lockdowns and the threat of COVID-19 were the most common subjects of calls to helplines at the beginning of the pandemic, according to international ... This pattern Read more about What did helplines hear from people struggling during the pandemic?

During lockdown, your screen is not always your friend

Publicly released: Wed 17 Nov 2021 at 1601 AEDT, 1801 NZDT

Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being

Too much screen time, irregular sleeping hours and constantly checking in on the news were all ways people lowered their mood during COVID-19 lockdowns, according to a Polish study. ... During the Read more about During lockdown, your screen is not always your friend

Closing NZ’s border alone wouldn’t have eliminated COVID-19 last year

Publicly released: Wed 17 Nov 2021 at 1101 AEDT, 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

New modelling has explored other ways the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic could have played out in New Zealand in March and April 2020. ... New Zealand responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with a Read more about Closing NZ’s border alone wouldn’t have eliminated COVID-19 last year

Which animals are likely to catch and spread COVID-19?

Publicly released: Wed 17 Nov 2021 at 1101 AEDT, 1301 NZDT

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Predicting the zoonotic capacity of mammals to transmit SARS-CoV-2Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological SciencesThis study combines structure-based 3D modeling of SARS-CoV-2 binding with Read more about Which animals are likely to catch and spread COVID-19?

Protect nature to avoid future pandemics

Publicly released: Wed 17 Nov 2021 at 1011 AEDT, 1211 NZDT

The Lancet Planetary Health

Scientists have investigated the links between the COVID-19 pandemic and the deterioration of the world’s ecosystems and their biodiversity, discovering feedback loops that suggest a potential Read more about Protect nature to avoid future pandemics

Jobs and 'health anxiety' may explain why some people experience poor mental health after COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 17 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

People's occupations and their level of health anxiety may be complicating links between COVID-19 and mental health problems, say UK researchers. ... The researchers looked at people who had positive Read more about Jobs and 'health anxiety' may explain why some people experience poor mental health after COVID-19

Is it time for a 'vaccine tax' for rich nations to help supply in poorer regions?

Publicly released: Tue 16 Nov 2021 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

Journal of Medical Ethics

While wealthy countries around the world are beginning COVID-19 booster programs and vaccinating children, some countries have barely begun their rollout for their most vulnerable citizens. Read more about Is it time for a 'vaccine tax' for rich nations to help supply in poorer regions?

Automated text service for COVID-19 saved 2 lives a week

Publicly released: Tue 16 Nov 2021 at 0901 AEDT, 1101 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

a week during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and overall, the patients who enrolled in that system were 68 percent less likely to die than those not using ... text messaging system, called COVID Read more about Automated text service for COVID-19 saved 2 lives a week

Doctors and midwives reluctant to recommend the COVID-19 jab

Publicly released: Tue 16 Nov 2021 at 0600 AEDT, 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

said they would recommend pregnant women have the COVID-19 vaccine. ... The survey also found that around 35 per cent of the women seeking advice said they would not take the vaccine when it became Read more about Doctors and midwives reluctant to recommend the COVID-19 jab

Taking antidepressants may reduce your risk of dying from COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 16 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

The study used electronic health records of 80,000 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 including around 3400 who were prescribed an SSRI. ... Mortality Risk of Patients With COVID-19 Prescribed SSRIs Do the Read more about Taking antidepressants may reduce your risk of dying from COVID-19

Lessons we can learn from polio vaccination campaigns

Publicly released: Mon 15 Nov 2021 at 0900 AEDT, 1100 NZDT

BMJ Global Health

A new study examining the impact of the global polio vaccine campaign has identified important lessons that "should be considered for COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs over coming years". Read more about Lessons we can learn from polio vaccination campaigns

COVID-19 supplement helped jobseekers afford groceries, feel dignity and look for work

Publicly released: Mon 15 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

Australian Journal of Social Issues

Receiving the $550 Coronavirus Supplement during the first COVID-19 wave helped people meet their basic needs, improved their well-being, and helped them engage further in employment-related Read more about COVID-19 supplement helped jobseekers afford groceries, feel dignity and look for work

Australia to enter its third year with COVID-19

Publicly released: Mon 15 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

MJA

Australia will soon enter its third year with COVID-19, and while we’ve weathered the storm relatively well, vigilance and a planned recovery are essential, according to an editorial by ... Ongoing Read more about Australia to enter its third year with COVID-19

Physician mothers shouldering more of the burden than fathers during the pandemic

Publicly released: Sat 13 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

When it comes to physician parents, mothers may be shouldering far more of the burden of childcare, schooling, and household tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are more likely to ... The authors Read more about Physician mothers shouldering more of the burden than fathers during the pandemic

India's COVAXIN vaccine is 77% effective against symptomatic COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 12 Nov 2021 at 1100 AEDT, 1300 NZDT

The Lancet

the roll-out of BBV152 might ease the ultra-cold chain requirements of other SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms, increase the finite global manufacturing capacity, and improve insufficient supply of Read more about India's COVAXIN vaccine is 77% effective against symptomatic COVID-19

Racial minorities twice as likely to get COVID

Publicly released: Fri 12 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

African American and Hispanic populations had double the odds of testing positive for COVID-19, compared with white populations, according to a review of 4. ... The authors say policies should address Read more about Racial minorities twice as likely to get COVID

Call for better understanding of rural hospitals' unique role in the pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 12 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

NZMJ

Interviews with 17 senior doctors in New Zealand rural hospitals, from late 2020, have revealed variable support from district health boards on the Covid-19 response. ... experienced poorer health Read more about Call for better understanding of rural hospitals' unique role in the pandemic