This is going to hurt.
That was the message from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday as she began the most crucial week of her premiership by effectively-banning all gatherings of more than 500 people […]
Already Air New Zealand is looking at cutting its staff by up to 3700, while Retail NZ says up to 10,000 jobs at risk.
Ardern asked Kiwis on Monday to practice as much “social distancing” as possible – putting off visits to elderly relatives, forgoing handshakes or hugs, and staying home from work if unwell.
“It’s all about making sure that you have to maintain social distancing in whatever environment you are in. That has to be our new normal.”
The Prime Minister made clear on Monday that the Government would take an extremely dim view of any tourists or Kiwis who failed to “self-isolate” for the required two weeks after entering New Zealand.
Cabinet authorised Customs to detain and deport temporary visa holders who ignored the order.
[…] “If you come here and have no intention of following our requests to self-isolate, frankly you are not welcome and out should leave before you are deported.”
“Remember anyone who is deported faces serious and ongoing consequences, including high chances of being refused future visa applications here and in many other countries.”
[…] Despite the scale of the crisis, Ardern was not keen to involve the Opposition in any decision-making about the response.
Six members of Parliament are in self-isolation, while Parliament itself is beginning to lock down public access.
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