This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is giving an update on the government’s response to the Covid-19 coronavirus.
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As Covid-19 spreads around the world, it can be daunting keeping up with the information. For RNZ, our responsibility is to give you verified, up to the minute, trustworthy information to help you make decisions about your lives and your health. We’ll also be asking questions of officials and decision makers about how they’re responding to the virus. Our aim is to keep you informed.
The Prime Minister is in Rotorua with Finance Minister Grant Robertson to meet with about 30 representatives from local businesses across the tourism, hospitality and forestry sectors as well as from economic development agencies, the council, iwi and council of trade unions.
Ardern is expected to announce greater restrictions on gatherings today, having banned groups of more than 500 on Monday.
Yesterday, she said an announcement on mass gatherings would be made in the next 24 hours. She has already indicated events such as funerals and weddings will be affected as the situation escalates.
Australia recently announced a ban on events with more than 100 people.
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand increased by eight to 20 yesterday.
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield is set to give the Ministry’s daily Covid-19 update this afternoon.
He told RNZ’s Morning Report the ministry would expect to see more cases coming from overseas, and was setting up a centre to trace close contacts of those confirmed to have the virus.
Read more about the Covid-19 coronavirus: