The Latest Breaking News from Covid-19

Rural hospitals that were struggling financially even before the pandemic are running out of COVID aid

Financial pitfalls at the U.S.'s highest-elevation hospital in Colorado serve as a cautionary tale.

Fortune · Mar 6, 2023

China aims for 'economic stability' in 2023 with 5% GDP growth target

With China's National People's Congress underway, the government has set out what many are calling an achievable target for economic growth in 2023. The 5 percent objective is the lowest in over three decades and comes as Beijing has lifted most of the restrictions set up during the Covid-19 pandemic.…

France 24 · Mar 6, 2023

Matt Hancock wanted to ‘frighten the pants off’ public about Covid strain, leaked messages show

Latest messages show ex-health secretary was worried Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme was contributing to the spread of Covid

The Independent UK · Mar 6, 2023

Resistance to mega-tourism is rising in the South Pacific – but will governments put words into action?

With COVID-19 travel restrictions largely a thing of the past for Australian and New Zealand tourists, Pacific destinations are enjoying the return of visitors – albeit at a slower pace than in other parts of the world.

The Conversation · Mar 6, 2023

Johnson ‘nationally distrusted’, said top civil servant in new Hancock leak

The UK’s top civil servant described Boris Johnson as a ‘nationally distrusted figure’ during the Covid pandemic, according to leaked messages.

The Independent UK · Mar 6, 2023

Experts blame COVID after nearly 20,000 extra deaths

COVID-19 has been identified as the cause of 10,300 "excess" deaths in 2022, with researchers suspecting the virus may have been behind many more.

AAP · Mar 5, 2023

WhatsApps show Matt Hancock desperately tried to take credit for the coronavirus vaccine

In one leaked WhatsApp message, Matt Hancock warned “It MUST NOT be Alok!” as he insisted he should get publicity rather than business secretary Sir Alok Sharma

Daily Mirror · Mar 5, 2023

Buildings used iron from sunken ships centuries ago. The use of recycled materials should be business as usual by now

At Fremantle Prison in the 1850s, when metal was scarce, the prison gate and handrails were made from iron recovered from sunken ships. As I toured the prison recently, I reflected on how similar the situation was when COVID-19 disrupted building supply chains across Australia. The shortage of materials such…

The Conversation · Mar 5, 2023

'Not suitable for treatment': FOI documents reveal Garran Surge Centre fears

Documents show concerns about ventilation and airflow at the centre.

The Canberra Times · Mar 5, 2023

Matt Hancock’s WhatsApp messages: what are the latest disclosures?

Leak has provided unique insight into how UK government operated at height of the Covid pandemic

The Guardian - UK · Mar 5, 2023