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. After two years, one in six people who had COVID-19 before vaccination still report health effects

    Publicly released: Thu 1 Jun 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

    The BMJ

    The team followed a group of 1,106 people who caught the original COVID-19 variant and compared their self-reported symptoms with 628 people who hadn't had the virus ... Their findings are based on 1,106 Read more about After two years, one in six people who had COVID-19 before vaccination still report health effects

    InternationalUniversity of Zurich, Switzerland

  2. Lockdown really made us lose our sense of time

    Publicly released: Thu 1 Jun 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

    PLOS ONE

    The social isolation resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns significantly impacted people’s activities and emotions, and prior research has shown that the pandemic triggered distortions in people’s Read more about Lockdown really made us lose our sense of time

    InternationalUniversity of Aberdeen, UK

  3. Fish were the most widely used animals in New Zealand research in 2021

    Publicly released: Wed 31 May 2023 at 1650 AEST | 1850 NZST

    The figures show that 309,872 animals were used in 2021, an increase from 245,522 used in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020. ... This is an increase from 245,522 used in the first year of the Read more about Fish were the most widely used animals in New Zealand research in 2021

    New ZealandUnderstanding Animal Research (UAR) Oceania

  4. Social networks the key to water management & sanitation in the Pacific

    Publicly released: Wed 31 May 2023 at 1337 AEST | 1537 NZST

    Water Policy

    lead author Dr Mark Love, a research fellow at the International WaterCentre and the Australian Rivers Institute. ... For example, Facebook ‘live’ information discussions have been proactively used Read more about Social networks the key to water management & sanitation in the Pacific

    Australia; Pacific; QLDGriffith University

  5. Sourdough or #sourfaux?

    Publicly released: Wed 31 May 2023 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

    International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition

    Sourdough has had a renaissance in Australia in recent years. This has been partly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown baking; from March to April 2020, Google searches for ... Grafenauer says. Read more about Sourdough or #sourfaux?

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  6. Has the pandemic changed our drinking habits?

    Publicly released: Wed 31 May 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

    Drug and Alcohol Review

    Adult men and those aged 35 or over were most likely to increase their alcohol consumption during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Australian and international researchers Read more about Has the pandemic changed our drinking habits?

    Australia; New Zealand; International; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|RMIT University|The University of New South Wales

  7. Sleeping well linked to a lower risk of long COVID

    Publicly released: Wed 31 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    The team looked at 1,979 women who reported testing positive for COVID-19, and gave them a pre-pandemic sleep score of 0-5 based on a number of factors ... They found those with a pre-pandemic sleep score Read more about Sleeping well linked to a lower risk of long COVID

    InternationalHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA

  8. Over 250,000 COVID-19-related hospitalisations recorded across 2021-2022

    Publicly released: Wed 31 May 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

    3% required ventilation and 2% died in hospital. The report says about 1 in five COVID-19-related hospitalisations were in patients with at least one other chronic health condition. ... 3% required Read more about Over 250,000 COVID-19-related hospitalisations recorded across 2021-2022

    AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

  9. COVID-19 vaccine builds powerful immune response in First Nations peoples

    Publicly released: Tue 30 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    Nature Immunology

    An Australian study has shown that vaccination against COVID-19 elicits an effective immune response in First Nations peoples, who are at higher risk of respiratory virus infections. ... We found Read more about COVID-19 vaccine builds powerful immune response in First Nations peoples

    Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; NTThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity...

  10. New compounds give important pandemic therapeutic option

    Publicly released: Wed 24 May 2023 at 0600 AEST | 0800 NZST

    Clinical & Translational Immunology

    the ability of influenza virus to replicate in the lung, and protect against damaging inflammation. ... damaging. ” A/Prof Tate said. COVID-19 has shown us the damage that can be done by out-of-control Read more about New compounds give important pandemic therapeutic option

    Australia; VICHudson Institute of Medical Research|Monash University

  11. Australia is not on track to drop smoking rates to 5% by 2030

    Publicly released: Tue 23 May 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

    Tobacco Control

    New study shows smoking rate target unreachable without strong actionNew research from the Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, shows the Read more about Australia is not on track to drop smoking rates to 5% by 2030

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; ACTThe University of Sydney|Cancer Council NSW|Cancer Council Victoria...

  12. Rental housing standards a threat to resident health and wellbeing

    Publicly released: Mon 22 May 2023 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

    Regional Studies, Regional Science

    Prior to COVID-19, research found an estimated one million Australians were living in poor to very poor housing. ... Dr Daniel says rising interest rates and other factors are likely to have drastically Read more about Rental housing standards a threat to resident health and wellbeing

    Australia; VIC; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Adelaide...

  13. Masks and air cleaners reduced the amount of COVID-19 in the air in classrooms

    Publicly released: Fri 19 May 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

    PLOS Medicine

    The researchers consistently detected salivary and airborne SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in air samples and samples from students throughout the study period. ... The levels of airborne Read more about Masks and air cleaners reduced the amount of COVID-19 in the air in classrooms

    InternationalUniversity of Bern, Switzerland

  14. Donor hearts from those who died with active COVID-19 could pose risks for recipients

    Publicly released: Thu 18 May 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

    Journal of the American College of Cardiology

    York. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for heart transplantation since transplant centers had to continuously modify their recipient and donor management protocols as the pandemic and Read more about Donor hearts from those who died with active COVID-19 could pose risks for recipients

    InternationalMontefiore Medical Center, USA

  15. Genetic links to severe COVID-19 could help us improve treatments

    Publicly released: Thu 18 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    Nature

    The findings, which build on previous analyses, improve our understanding of the factors that underlie severe COVID-19 and highlight targets for drug development. ... In the latest update, Kenneth Baillie Read more about Genetic links to severe COVID-19 could help us improve treatments

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

  16. Evidence update finds masks may help stop the spread on COVID-19

    Publicly released: Tue 16 May 2023 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

    Annals of Internal Medicine

    The final update of an ongoing review of the evidence around masks and COVID-19 has found that masks may be linked to a small reduction in risk for ... The initial review was followed by eight brief Read more about Evidence update finds masks may help stop the spread on COVID-19

    InternationalOregon Health & Science University, USA

  17. Environmental researchers could be (accidentally) capturing identifiable human DNA

    Publicly released: Tue 16 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    Nature Ecology & Evolution

    These samples can be used to monitor wild populations and invasive species, reconstruct past environments and screen wastewater samples for human pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. ... Time Authors David Duffy, Read more about Environmental researchers could be (accidentally) capturing identifiable human DNA

    InternationalUniversity of Florida, USA

  18. Youth input key to addressing pillars of the mental health crisis

    Publicly released: Mon 15 May 2023 at 0430 AEST | 0630 NZST

    Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

    Dr Stubbing says internationally, organisations such as the World Health Organization and the International Association of Youth Mental Health are also recognising young people’s perspectives on Read more about Youth input key to addressing pillars of the mental health crisis

    New ZealandKoi Tū: the Centre for Informed Futures|Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

  19. Sending at-home HPV test kits to under-screened women can help boost testing rates

    Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

    The Lancet Public Health

    Cervical cancer disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women in the USA, with the highest incidence among Hispanic women and the highest mortality among Black women. ... The trial was also Read more about Sending at-home HPV test kits to under-screened women can help boost testing rates

    InternationalUniversity of North Carolina, USA

  20. Your COVID immunity could wane faster if your BMI is high

    Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    Nature Medicine

    The team also looked at the relationship between BMI, hospitalisation and mortality due to COVID-19 among 3. ... 6 million people in Scotland using their COVID-19 surveillance platform, and found Read more about Your COVID immunity could wane faster if your BMI is high

    InternationalUniversity of Cambridge, UK

  21. AI helps map the postal workers in cells

    Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    Cell

    University of Queensland researchers have used artificial intelligence to build a 3D map of key cell components to better understand dementia and infectious diseases including COVID-19. ... Viruses such Read more about AI helps map the postal workers in cells

    Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience...

  22. Most children with COVID-19 don’t require hospital treatment

    Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

    The Medical Journal of Australia

    The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and published in The Medical Journal of Australia, found more than half of children with COVID-19 who visited an emergency department Read more about Most children with COVID-19 don’t require hospital treatment

    Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; NT; ACTMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Sydney...

  23. Over the last decade nobody has been improving the rate of preterm births

    Publicly released: Wed 10 May 2023 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

    The researchers say regional conflict, climate change and COVID-19 are increasing the risks around preterm births as the world struggles to reduce the rates. ... The report also highlights that the Read more about Over the last decade nobody has been improving the rate of preterm births

    InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO)

  24. When looking at the harms of drinking, are we neglecting what's happening in our homes?

    Publicly released: Wed 10 May 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

    Drug and Alcohol Review

    Current methods to try and address the overconsumption of alcohol aren't focusing enough on drinking at home, according to Australian researchers. ... In an opinion piece, the researchers outline recent Read more about When looking at the harms of drinking, are we neglecting what's happening in our homes?

    Australia; VIC; WALa Trobe University|Curtin University

  25. EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2023-2024

    Publicly released: Tue 9 May 2023 at 1945 AEST | 2145 NZST

    The Federal Government has released their budget for 2023-2024. Below, a variety of Australian experts respond and discuss what this year's Budget means. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2023-2024

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACTAustralian Government - Dept of the Treasury

  26. A woman or baby dies every 7 seconds as global progress stalls on preventing maternal or newborn deaths

    Publicly released: Tue 9 May 2023 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

    Pregnant women and newborns continue to die at unacceptably high rates worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created further setbacks to providing them with the healthcare they need,” said Dr Read more about A woman or baby dies every 7 seconds as global progress stalls on preventing maternal or newborn deaths

    InternationalWorld Health Organization (WHO)

  27. The power of peer-to-peer communication in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout

    Publicly released: Mon 8 May 2023 at 0930 AEST | 1130 NZST

    Health Expectations

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions with peers played a large role in people’s decisions around vaccination, new research from UNSW Sydney shows. ... Also, once the participants received the Read more about The power of peer-to-peer communication in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  28. Problems thinking straight in 1st 4 weeks of COVID-19 may mean long COVID is more likely

    Publicly released: Sat 6 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    Perceived Cognitive Deficits in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 and Their Association With Long COVID About The Study: The findings of this study of 766 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection ... suggest that patient Read more about Problems thinking straight in 1st 4 weeks of COVID-19 may mean long COVID is more likely

    InternationalUniversity of California, Los Angeles, USA

  29. Housing affordability is deteriorating, and there’s no end in sight

    Publicly released: Fri 5 May 2023 at 1201 AEST | 1401 NZST

    Housing Affordability in Western Australia 2023: Building for the future

    stimulated by the HomeBuilder and Building Bonus COVID-19 stimulus payments had been delayed due to labour and material shortages. ... However, REIWA estimate around 19,000 homes left the rental sector in Read more about Housing affordability is deteriorating, and there’s no end in sight

    Australia; WACurtin University

  30. EXPERT REACTION: Extreme content becoming embedded in NZ online disinformation groups

    Publicly released: Fri 5 May 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

    A new report from The Disinformation Project looks at how disinformation and anti-transgender hate was shared online around the time of Posie Parker's visit to Auckland early in 2023. ... One of the main Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Extreme content becoming embedded in NZ online disinformation groups

    New ZealandThe Disinformation Project

  31. No increased risk of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination

    Publicly released: Thu 4 May 2023 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

    The BMJ

    To address this, researchers in Sweden drew on high quality health registry data to evaluate the risks of menstrual disturbance and bleeding after covid-19 vaccination in 2,946,448 women ... In the main Read more about No increased risk of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination

    InternationalSwedish Medical Products Agency, Sweden

  32. Immunity from COVID-19 vaccines wanes quickly against Omicron

    Publicly released: Thu 4 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    Evaluation ofWaning of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine–Induced Immunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisThe findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis of secondary data from 40 studies suggest Read more about Immunity from COVID-19 vaccines wanes quickly against Omicron

    InternationalBruno Kessler Foundation, Italy; University of Trento, Italy

  33. More children and adolescents in mental health crisis since beginning of COVID-19 pandemic

    Publicly released: Wed 3 May 2023 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

    Paediatrics

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious and lasting negative impacts on children’s and adolescents’ mental health. ... The study highlights the increasing numbers of children and adolescents presenting Read more about More children and adolescents in mental health crisis since beginning of COVID-19 pandemic

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales|The University of Sydney

  34. Key to fighting chronic inflammation in severe COVID

    Publicly released: Wed 3 May 2023 at 0600 AEST | 0800 NZST

    Science Signaling

    immune cells which contribute to chronic inflammation are not infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. ... We have vaccines and anti-virals in the fight against COVID-19 but the virus Read more about Key to fighting chronic inflammation in severe COVID

    Australia; QLDThe University of Queensland|Institute for Molecular Bioscience...

  35. Pandemic related increase in depression in kids and teens stronger among girls and wealthier families

    Publicly released: Tue 2 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    JAMA Pediatrics

    Depression symptoms in children and teenagers increased during the pandemic, with the effect more pronounced in girls and young people from relatively higher-income backgrounds, according to an Read more about Pandemic related increase in depression in kids and teens stronger among girls and wealthier families

    InternationalUniversity of Calgary, Canada

  36. 2022 Prime Minister's Science Prizes awarded

    Publicly released: Mon 1 May 2023 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

    Pacific immunologist Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu wins the Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize for her work as a leading voice during Covid-19 pandemic. ... He smoked and the most Read more about 2022 Prime Minister's Science Prizes awarded

    New Zealand; PacificRoyal Society Te Apārangi

  37. NEWS BRIEFING: BCG vaccine’s lack of protection against COVID-19 highlights importance of trials even during a pandemic

    Publicly released: Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

    New England Journal of Medicine

    Previous research showed BCG boosted ‘front-line’ immunity in infants and protected against some respiratory infections in adolescents and adults, which was the rationale for testing it against Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: BCG vaccine’s lack of protection against COVID-19 highlights importance of trials even during a pandemic

    Australia; VIC; SAMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)|The University of Melbourne...

  38. Death risk nearly 1 in 3 for those with both tuberculosis and COVID-19

    Publicly released: Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

    PLOS Global Public Health

    Nearly a third of a group of US hospital patients who had tuberculosis and COVID-19 at the same time died, according to international researchers. ... The team looked at patients with TB in New York City Read more about Death risk nearly 1 in 3 for those with both tuberculosis and COVID-19

    InternationalNew York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, USA

  39. Tiny hearts advance a giant leap in fight against heart disease

    Publicly released: Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    Cell Reports

    muscle, which is important for several diseases that can cause heart injury including COVID-19. ... One of those is inflammation, which is the body’s reaction to insults such as metabolic disease or Read more about Tiny hearts advance a giant leap in fight against heart disease

    Australia; International; QLDQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

  40. Dogs are pretty good at sniffing out kids with COVID-19

    Publicly released: Tue 25 Apr 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    JAMA Pediatrics

    The team trained medical alert dogs to search for COVID-19 by sniffing the ankles and feet of students. ... In the lab, the dogs were able to identify samples that did and didn't have COVID-19 above 95% Read more about Dogs are pretty good at sniffing out kids with COVID-19

    InternationalCalifornia Department of Public Health, USA

  41. EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID Inquiry report

    Publicly released: Mon 24 Apr 2023 at 1109 AEST | 1309 NZST

    and a nationally coordinated research program for long COVID and COVID-19. ... Sick and tired: Long COVID inquiry report releasedA national long COVID and COVID-19 database is among the key Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID Inquiry report

    Australia; VICAustralian Science Media Centre

  42. COVID-19 could increase your risk of diabetes

    Publicly released: Wed 19 Apr 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    They say the rate of new diabetes diagnoses was 672. 2 per 100,000 people exposed to COVID-19, and 508. ... About The Study: In this study of more than 600,000 individuals, SARS-CoV-2 infection was Read more about COVID-19 could increase your risk of diabetes

    InternationalBritish Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Canada

  43. Children with COVID-19 treated safely at home, helping to take burden off hospitals

    Publicly released: Wed 19 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

    Archives of Disease in Childhood

    Murdoch Children’s Dr Laila Ibrahim said the program took pressure off paediatric emergency departments and helped reduce COVID-19 transmission in hospital during the first two years of the pandemic Read more about Children with COVID-19 treated safely at home, helping to take burden off hospitals

    Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)

  44. Is it time to stop mandating masks in healthcare settings?

    Publicly released: Tue 18 Apr 2023 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

    Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM)

    The experts say the time has come to manage SARS-CoV-2 the same way as other endemic respiratory viruses using correct and consistent application of Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. Read more about Is it time to stop mandating masks in healthcare settings?

    InternationalMassachusetts General Hospital, USA

  45. EXPERT REACTION: Solar eclipse set to stun in WA

    Publicly released: Mon 17 Apr 2023 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

    On Thursday, April 20, a solar eclipse is set to be visible across Australia for the first time since 2014. ... Exmouth and some of the surrounding peninsula in Western Australia will have the best view, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Solar eclipse set to stun in WA

    Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; WAAustralian Science Media Centre

  46. Disturbed sleep may partially explain long COVID breathlessness

    Publicly released: Sun 16 Apr 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

    European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), The Lancet

    The researchers say the findings suggest sleep disturbance is a common problem after hospitalisation for COVID-19 and is linked with breathlessness. ... The study researchers also found that participants Read more about Disturbed sleep may partially explain long COVID breathlessness

    InternationalUniversity of Manchester, UK

  47. Drug shows promise for reducing fatigue in long-COVID patients

    Publicly released: Sat 15 Apr 2023 at 1900 AEST | 2100 NZST

    eClinical Medicine

    A drug designed to help long-COVID patients suffering from persistent fatigue has shown promise in a randomised controlled trial, according to an international study presented at the European Read more about Drug shows promise for reducing fatigue in long-COVID patients

    InternationalUniversity of Oxford, UK

  48. Humanising international education requires 360-degree support

    Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 1143 AEST | 1343 NZST

    At a national level prior to COVID-19 it contributed $37. 6B to the economy. ... Notes to editors · Prior to COVID about 580,000 international students were living in Australia; by the end of 2021, Read more about Humanising international education requires 360-degree support

    Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia

  49. Nurse sounds a warning on hearing loss for COVID-19 patients

    Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 1036 AEST | 1236 NZST

    British Medical Journal Case Reports

    A University of South Australia nursing lecturer has used her own COVID-19 experience to inform research into a little-known side effect of the virus – sudden deafness. ... The evidence around the short Read more about Nurse sounds a warning on hearing loss for COVID-19 patients

    Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia

  50. COVID-19 bivalent booster reduces deaths and hospitalisations in over-65s

    Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

    The Lancet Infectious Diseases

    Our findings highlight the importance of new types of vaccines containing different variants of SARS-CoV-2, which are likely to induce broader immune responses and provide enhanced protection against Read more about COVID-19 bivalent booster reduces deaths and hospitalisations in over-65s

    InternationalClalit Health Services, Israel; See paper for full list of author affiliations

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