With hundreds of testing alternatives available, it is crucial that we pay close attention to what is in play, and which are most effective. Siouxsie Wiles guides us through them. I was blown away to discover that there are more than 500 different tests for Covid-19 either in development or already commercially available. The Foundation … Read more
As we await a decision on moving out of alert level four, some big questions are in play. One of those is about contact tracing, explains Siouxsie Wiles. Illustrations and animations by Toby Morris. This work is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Help us to continue this work by joining here. On Monday, the … Read more
According to a group of academics, the New Zealand response doesn’t match the threat posed by Covid-19 and should be substantially loosened. Siouxsie Wiles unpicks their claims. A group of six New Zealand academics yesterday announced their “vision for a balanced response” to the Covid-19 pandemic. They are calling that vision “Plan B”. They even … Read more
The nature of this coronavirus means that we need to steel ourselves for more tough news in the coming weeks. That should only firm our resolve, writes Siouxsie Wiles. Illustrations by Toby Morris. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 crisis is only possible because of the support of members. If you can, please consider joining Spinoff … Read more
Launching a new series, 60 Seconds with Siouxsie, the inimitable Dr Wiles has a few sharp words for anyone thinking they might catch up with neighbours for a drink or a chat, even at a couple of metres apart. In our first video, made possible by the support of Spinoff members, Siouxsie Wiles has a … Read more
The face mask question is more complicated than it might at first seem, explains Siouxsie Wiles. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 crisis is only possible because of the support of members. If you can, please consider joining Spinoff Members here. Read Toby Morris’s new Side Eye comic, created with Siouxsie Wiles, here. And more of Siouxsie’s … Read more
Siouxsie Wiles on the vitriolic correspondence she’s received since the Covid-19 outbreak struck, and the realities of communicating evidence. I recently received an email and text from someone telling me they are planning to email my boss, the University of Auckland vice chancellor. They are going to ask for me to “be brought before the … Read more
About those handles and rails and communal areas … The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 crisis is only possible because of the support of members. If you can, please consider joining Spinoff Members here. As Aotearoa enters week two of lockdown, it’s clear we’re all still working out what our “bubbles” look like and how … Read more
The more people take part, the better it will be at spotting potential clusters of Covid-19. Siouxsie Wiles explains. You might have heard the prime minister and the director-general of health mention in recent days something called FluTracking. What’s it all about? Here’s what you need to know. The FluTracking project is a fantastic initiative … Read more
A quick reminder why we need to hold firm, and resist any temptation to bend the rules. For almost a week now, every one of us who isn’t an essential worker has been confined to their bubble. We are allowed to go shopping for groceries, to visit the doctor, and to get a bit of … Read more
Some countries are now using a serology test, which uses blood or serum samples to look for antibodies we produce in response to the virus. Siouxsie Wiles explains its strengths and weaknesses. Read Toby Morris’s new Side Eye comic, created with Siouxsie Wiles, here. And more of Siouxsie’s writing here. The Spinoff’s Covid-19 coverage is made possible … Read more
Alert level four is on. Now let’s talk about the lag. Siouxsie Wiles explains, with illustrations by Toby Morris. Read Toby Morris’s new Side Eye comic, created with Siouxsie Wiles, here. And more of Siouxsie’s writing here. Just before midnight on Wednesday March 25, Aotearoa New Zealand entered a countrywide alert level four lockdown. For … Read more
Alert level four is go. Let’s talk bubbles. Siouxsie Wiles explains what it’s all about, with illustrations by Toby Morris. Read Toby Morris’s new Side Eye comic, created with Siouxsie Wiles, here. And more of Siouxsie’s writing here. On Saturday March 21, Jacinda Ardern announced a four-level alert system for responding to the Covid-19 pandemic … Read more
Such is the importance of New Zealanders getting behind the requirement to self-isolate, Siouxsie Wiles has been offering to personally telephone the parents of people worried they’re not taking it seriously enough. To save her repeating herself all night, we asked the tireless microbiologist and science communicator to commit it to video. If you have … Read more
The alert system signals the start of a new phase in NZ’s battle against Covid-19. Siouxsie Wiles explains what it means, with illustrations by Toby Morris. The Spinoff’s ongoing expert-led, evidence-based coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. For the last few weeks, I’ve been urging you … Read more
A widely reported study revealed that Covid-19 can be made to be airborne. That doesn’t mean you’ll ever catch it that way. You may have seen several reports over the last few days that the Covid-19 coronavirus is airborne. This is in the news again because the study I wrote about a week ago has … Read more
How the process runs, why we’re not testing everyone who feels ill, and something you can do online immediately and easily to help the fight against the virus. The Spinoff’s coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. With confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand up to … Read more
Think of the coronavirus pandemic as a bunch of fires erupting around the world. Drastic action is required, and that’s why firebreaks are urgent, writes Siouxsie Wiles. The Spinoff’s coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. Read more from Siouxsie Wiles here. Dear fellow people of … Read more
Siouxsie Wiles on the contrasting responses by leaders in the US, Britain and New Zealand. The Spinoff’s coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. It’s been a whirlwind few days on the Covid-19 front. The biggest headline of today was Jacinda Ardern’s announcement of a … Read more
We must act quickly, with no half-measures. Dr Siouxsie Wiles explains why, with illustrations by Toby Morris. The Spinoff’s ongoing expert-led, evidence-based coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. Spinoff cartoonist Toby Morris and I recently introduced you to the concept of #FlattenTheCurve. Now we want to … Read more
Siouxsie Wiles offers some context around a couple of new studies on the coronavirus. Two new studies relating to Covid-19 studies have begun circulating online, with some alarming headlines appearing in the media. Let me put them into context for you. The virus is still spread via droplets As I’ve explained before, all data we … Read more
It is not a time for panic. It is, however, a time to draw up a pandemic preparedness plan. Where to begin? Siouxsie Wiles to the rescue. The Spinoff’s ongoing expert-led, evidence-based coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here. Now that Covid-19 has officially been declared … Read more
How is the coronavirus likely to play out, how does it end, and does our behaviour make a difference? Here infectious diseases expert Dr Siouxsie Wiles walks us through the epidemic curve, with illustrations by Toby Morris. The Spinoff’s ongoing expert-led, evidence-based coverage of Covid-19 is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join … Read more
While handwashing is a vital weapon in the battle against Covid-19, so is keeping surfaces clean and disinfected. Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles on what you need to know about destroying coronaviruses around your home and workplace. Read Dr Siouxsie Wiles’ other explainers on the Covid-19 outbreak here. This week several more people in New Zealand have … Read more
Siouxsie Wiles looks at the places with the largest number of coronavirus cases outside mainland China, and the efforts to understand its spread. The Spinoff’s ongoing coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. To support our journalism join members here. We are now clearly dealing with a very serious global threat, as the … Read more
The latest confirmed coronavirus case in New Zealand is an important reminder that we should be mindful of our behaviour, but there is no strong evidence of asymptomatic transmission, writes Siouxsie Wiles. The Ministry of Health yesterday announced a second person in Aotearoa New Zealand has tested positive for the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Just … Read more
It is the National Party leader’s job to oppose the government. But as a second case of Covid-19 in New Zealand is confirmed, he should tone down the anecdotal criticisms, and rein in MPs explicitly urging people to panic-buy, writes Siouxsie Wiles, an associate professor in molecular medicine and pathology. Dear Simon I do understand … Read more
As media coverage of Covid-19 has really ramped up, people have started asking me how they should talk to kids about the disease. So, here are some handy tips. The Spinoff’s ongoing coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. To support our journalism join members here. Don’t talk to your kids … Read more
A new report on the Covid-19 outbreak has some important insights into the way it has progressed, the severity of cases, and why we should be taking it very seriously. Siouxsie Wiles explains. The Spinoff’s ongoing coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. To support our journalism join members here. … Read more