New data suggest that most patients with COVID-19 who have lingering symptoms at 12 months are likely to still have symptoms at 18 months. The findings are drawn from a large study of 33,281 people in Scotland who tested positive for the coronavirus. Most of the results are in line with those from earlier, smaller Read more
Posts Tagged ‘COVID-19’
If you’re the only one in a mask, will it still keep you safe?
Thursday, October 13th, 2022
COVID-19 restrictions are winding down and in Australia, as of Friday anyone who tests positive will no longer be required to isolate. It is one of the last COVID rules to be scrapped following two years of restrictions lead by health advice. Masks, too, seem to be being left behind. Once mandatory in public places, Read more
3 post-Covid spiritual tips for keeping your sanity and sanctity
Monday, October 10th, 2022
Recently in The New York Times, guest writer Francis Sanzaro wrote a beautiful reflection on the experience of walking. Often we think of walking in terms of what it can deliver us: A reduction of anxiety! An increase in creativity! Our much-vaunted steps! He says we’ve got it all wrong. The real gift of a walk Read more
Come back! Catholic bishops lift all Covid-19 restrictions
Thursday, September 15th, 2022
New Zealand’s Catholic bishops have lifted the remaining Covid-19 restrictions on attending Mass. After the Government lifted all restrictions this week, the bishops followed suit. At the same time, they issued an invitation. We are happy to extend an enthusiastic invitation for all Catholics of Aotearoa New Zealand to return to full and active participation Read more
Church restrictions in red setting were justified, High Court rules
Monday, August 29th, 2022The Government was justified in blocking churches from holding large gatherings during the red traffic light setting under the Government’s Covid-19 response, the High Court has ruled. But a group of churches say the restrictions essentially forced them to excommunicate members and seriously infringed on the separation of Church and State. The measures included imposing Read more
Covid-19 restrictions for faith-based groups justified, court rules
Thursday, August 18th, 2022Limits on the size of religious gatherings due to Covid-19 restrictions were justified, a judge has decided. Two groups of churches and mosques claimed a Covid-19 public health response order that took effect late last year was unlawful for breaching their rights to manifest their religious belief. The order limited gatherings depending on whether attendees Read more
Motels reducing emergency housing spaces ahead of tourists return
Thursday, August 18th, 2022With summer approaching, and the borders reopened, many motel operators in Marlborough will be gearing up for a busy tourist season. And, while the prospect of visitors returning to Marlborough in their droves would be seen by many as a welcome step forward, it could mean taking a monumental step backwards for those in emergency Read more
Covid-19: Two months of ‘substantially lower infections’ ahead
Thursday, August 11th, 2022New Zealand is likely in for “a couple of months” of lower Covid-19 infections now the second Omicron peak has passed, experts say. However, there are plenty of other viruses circulating and people should keep up health measures such as wearing masks and staying home when sick, they say. A panel of health experts answered Read more
Learning suffers as teachers struggle with Covid’s effects
Monday, August 8th, 2022
Students are missing out and their learning is suffering in New Zealand schools; Covid and its after-effects are taking their toll. Students are leaving school without qualifications, says Kevin Shore, Catholic Education Office CEO. Catholic school principals tell him of former pupils working instead of coming to school. They’re helping with stressed family finances. Others Read more
Each COVID reinfection raises the risk of long COVID
Monday, July 25th, 2022
The latest Omicron variant BA.5 is fast becoming dominant worldwide, including in New Zealand and Australia. As it continues to surge, reinfection will become increasingly common and this in turn means more people will develop long COVID. The two most concerning aspects of long COVID are its high prevalence (up to 30% of those infected) Read more