australia reports another day of covid record-setting cases. more than 12,000 locally transmitted cases sunday. highest ever. only 35% of people over the age of 16 have been fully vaccinated in the state, and australia's neighbor down under also seeing a surge in new cases. on sunday new zealand reported dozens of new covid infections. the country in lockdown until at least tuesday night. some other cities that curfew could get extended. china is pushing back on theories of where covid originated, and an inconclusive report from the u.s. intelligence community sparked a swift condemnation from chinese officials but it doesn't stop there. an intense chinese media twisting the narrative on the pandemic. [ speaking in foreign language ] >> reporter: a constant barrage of digital articles with sarcastic cartoons.