Morning Report

Pharmac will widen access to at least nine cancer drugs, including keytruda for the treatment of advanced melanoma, to reduce hospital visits and cut the risk of vulnerable patients catching Covid-19.

One senior oncologist praised Pharmac's swift response, although patient advocacy groups say cancer sufferers will need much more help during the pandemic.

Concerns include charity funding drying up, whether to continue with treatment that heavily suppresses the immune system and what level of care those with advanced cancer might get in a stressed health system.

Here's investigative journalist Guyon Espiner.

Radio Sport has been taken off air indefinitely.

NZME - which owns the station - pointed to the cancellation and suspension of virtually all local, national and international events and competitions.

Brendan Telfer is the original host from Radio Sport, and worked at the station from its establishment in 1996 until 2013.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

For many essential workers Covid-19 could be one of the biggest battles of their professional lives.

Videos around the world are emerging of people showing their appreciation by clapping on their driveways and balconies to thank them. One Christchurch woman has started to do the same here in New Zealand.

She shared the idea to a social media group and it's now catching on.

Eleisha Foon reports.

People can now buy whiteware, heaters and devices during the lockdown through online or phone orders that will be delivered in a contactless way.

The government is easing restrictions slightly to allow the sale of goods which people need to safely isolate, stay connected to one another and work or study from home.

The country's big box retailers say they are ready to reactivate online orders for the allowed items.

Amy Williams filed this report.

The Australian government will spend $130 billion over the next six months to try to keep Australians in work.

The JobKeeper payment will be handed to eligible employers and they'll be required to pass on $750 a week to workers.

As of midnight last night, gatherings in Australia have been restricted to two people in an attempt to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Susie Ferguson speaks to the ABC's Scott Levi.

The head of President Trump's coronavirus task force now says 200,000 deaths from coronavirus in the United States is a "best case" estimate. She says she's worried that Americans aren't doing enough to observe the President's now-extended social distancing guidelines. Washington Correspondent Simon Marks reports.

A Northland mother with a severely disabled son says confirmation that two disability support workers have caught Covid-19 confirms her worst fears.

She and thousands like her have been asking the Government for weeks for personal protective equipment or PPE, but still don't have it.

Phil Pennington reports.

Police say they will take a tougher line on people if they don't behave properly in public spaces during the lockdown.

One Aucklander, Rob Lee, says he doesn't have a problem with the way people are sharing footpaths and beaches.

Wellingtonian Steve Dempsy says he'd be happy for the police to step in.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush speaks to Corin Dann.

New advice to the government shows there could be at least fourteen thousand deaths in New Zealand if the current efforts to control and eradicate Covid-19 fail.

There would be an even greater number of deaths if a surge in numbers overwhelms the country's intensive care capacity.

The research has been done by a team at the University of Otago's Wellington campus.

Professor Nick Wilson speaks to Susie Ferguson.

News from the business sector, including a market report.