Lockdown 'like Alcatraz': Brit tourist in NZ
A British tourist stuck in New Zealand during national lockdown has told his story to his local newspaper in the UK, complaining about his entertainment options but praising Kiwis' shopping behaviour. Even the breakfast news here is like a sixth form experiment compared to Good Morning Britain," Rowland told Bristol Live. Rowland admitted that boredom was starting to become a problem for him and his wife, saying they were missing some home comforts. "Lockdown at home would be bad enough, but at least I could get the jigsaw out, or my wife could do some knitting," Rowland said. Rowland said he was conflicted about his trip, telling Bristol Live the couple were "having a gap retirement."
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2020 03:09 UTC
Coronavirus: Eight southern cases linked to Bluff wedding
A wedding in Bluff has now been identified as a significant cluster of confirmed Coronavirus cases. Eight cases of Coronavirus in Southland have been linked to a wedding in Bluff. The Ministry of Health has reported six new cases of Coronavirus in the Southern District Health Board catchment area today, bringing the total number of cases in the Otago and Southland region to 89. Three of the case in the past 24 hours, and five previously confirmed cases, have been linked to the Bluff wedding, forming a new significant cluster. The other significant cluster in the Southern region is the 24 cases related to the World Hereford Conference held in Queenstown in early March.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 03:00 UTC
Coronavirus: Two clusters linked to Marlborough
The Ministry of Health has revealed two Covid-19 clusters are linked to Marlborough. The website says six of the nine Air Force cases are in the last 24 hours, with one in the last 24 hours at Alzheimers Marlborough. A Nelson Marlborough Health spokesperson said on Tuesday the clusters were not new, and the Air Force stemmed from one of the first confirmed in the region. Nelson Marlborough Health clinical director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman said people should not confuse 'cluster' with 'community transmission'. Nelson Marlborough Health said 25 people were screened for coronavirus testing yesterday with swabs taken from 12 patients.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 02:35 UTC
South overtakes Auckland to have most Covid-19 cases
The Southern District Health Board area has overtaken Auckland as the DHB area with the most Covid-19 infections with 15 new cases announced today. The SDHB previously had the most number of cases per 100,000 but now also has the most number of cases in total. The cases per 100,000 in the area has risen to almost 30 in the SDHB off the back of today's new cases, ahead of Waikato which has just over 19 cases per 100,000. Lakes District Hospital was cleaned from top to bottom last night and 36 staff were tested for Covid-19. Lakes District Hospital has treated two Covid-19 cases, including a now discharged Spanish tourist who was one of the first cases of the disease in the South.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2020 02:32 UTC
Coronavirus: Aucklander infects three people after return from Colorado
Dr Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand now has 647 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases. RICKY WILSON/STUFF Auckland's Marist College has the largest cluster of cases in the country. The largest cluster of cases is at Auckland's Marist College, where there are currently 48 cases. Two other clusters in the city were announced, with four cases linked to Spectrum Care and another four linked to a boat builder. A Ministry of Health spokeswoman said the cases linked to the boat builder arose after an employee was exposed to coronavirus while skiing in the American state of Colorado.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 02:29 UTC
Bluff wedding added to list of Covid-19 clusters
A new cluster added to the list relates to a wedding held in Bluff. Photo: Allied PressThe Ministry of Health (MoH) have revealed there are several new clusters of Covid-19 cases throughout the country, including one connected to a wedding in Bluff. The MoH updated its website today to include several new groups to its list of clusters today, which include both confirmed and probable cases of the virus. A new cluster added to the list relates to a wedding held in Bluff. There are eight cases linked to the wedding and there were three new confirmed or probable cases in the last 24 hours.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2020 02:25 UTC
Coronavirus: Jacinda Ardern wants to ramp up Covid-19 testing
Test, test, test - that's the message from Prime Minister Ardern as the Government continues its effort to eradicate Covid-19. The Government has broadened guidelines around Covid-19 testing, which will allow for more people to be tested and to see how far the disease has spread in New Zealand. "I would keep encouraging that we test, test, test," Ardern said. The more we test the more it tells us how far our community transmission is and it tells us where it is," Ardern said. POOL VISION The government is committing to getting as many Covid-19 tests done as possible.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 01:53 UTC
Birthday party celebrations in isolation
Kyle Wrigley is turning 7 during the isolation period and his mum Darlesha said they are going to make him the 'lockdown birthday king'. 123RF Many children will be celebrating their birthday during the isolation period. Maybe we can make him a crown and he can be the 'lockdown birthday king' for his day." Other ideas include IOUs for when the businesses open up again, scavenger hunts with stuff they already have, remaking a fifth birthday party for older kids complete with pass the parcel and pin the tail on the donkey, decorating their driveways or sidewalks in chalk with birthday messages, re-gifting presents from older siblings, and baking a birthday cake. While it might be hard to explain to the little ones why this year's birthday is going to be different, it will still be one to remember – a birthday in isolation.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 01:07 UTC
US may toughen Covid-19 response
Photo: ReutersThe United States may be set to toughen its coronavirus response. Trump, who has faced criticism for playing down the pandemic in its early stages, urged everyone to follow the restrictions. White House coronavirus task force response coordinator Deborah Birx said federal guidance was important because all states were facing the same levels of risk. Trump said the United States had begun to acquire personal protective equipment from overseas. Trump said he had just spoken with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and that the United States would be sending Italy about $100 million worth of medical supplies that are not needed in the United States.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2020 01:07 UTC
Coronavirus: Overseas travellers brazenly leave lockdown with police blessing
Police say they will take a tougher line on people if they don't behave properly in public spaces during the lockdown. Questions have been raised about travel restrictions after a group of German tourists left their South Island lockdown accommodation "to enjoy the rest of their vacation". She had been contacted by a German woman asking she could self self-isolate in her Airbnb from March 21. 123RF Tarin King, who runs an Airbnb in Te Anau, is concerned about tourists breaking the coronavirus lockdown rules. Germany is one of the countries worst-affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 62,000 confirmed cases and 500 deaths.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 00:56 UTC
Coronavirus: Fleeing backpackers struggle to sell their campervans
MARTIN DE RUYTER Backpackers Julian Klein-Peters, left, Amandine Norin, Mia Zeh and Hannah Noeske-Heisinger with their vehicles in the Montgomery Carpark in Nelson. Backpackers heading home early are struggling to sell their vehicles, sparking fears some will be dumped when they leave the country. In his last week of trading before the coronavirus lockdown began, Travel Cars NZ owner Luis Domenech Garcia was offered 100 cars and campervans, but had to turn away about 35. "If I don't buy them and if there are no New Zealanders buying them, they have to scrap the car, sell them for parts. He now plans to leave the vehicle with the father of a friend who will sell it on their behalf.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 00:56 UTC
Mega polytechnic establishment goes ahead despite lockdown
The new national mega polytechnic will come into being on Wednesday, but the name and location of its headquarters is still to be decided. MURRAY WILSON/STUFF UCOL in Palmerston North is one of 16 entities that will become part of the new national body. Jordan said it was thought the permanent name and location for the new national institute would be known by now, but the board decided it needed more time to consider. "Our recommendation to the minister was that the working name, New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, continue to be used for another month. Murray Strong is the chairman of the new council of the institute of skills and technology.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 00:45 UTC
Emitters offered extra time to report footprints
Carbon-emitting companies have been offered extra time to report their emissions for last year, as the Covid-19 outbreak plays havoc with some of New Zealand's biggest greenhouse gas producers. The Environmental Protection Authority will offer Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) participants another four weeks to file their emissions return paperwork, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. Supplied As governments impose severe restrictions on citizens' movements to combat Covid-19, carbon emissions are falling. For each tonne of carbon dioxide, the scheme then calculates if the participant has earned or must surrender emissions units. Ross Nolly New Zealand's Covid-19 lockdown is likely to impact ETS forestry participants' ability to plant new trees, experts predict.
Source:Stuff
March 31, 2020 00:22 UTC
Coronavirus: stimulating the economic recovery with climate-friendly projects
These green infrastructure projects would leave New Zealand more resilient than it was, thereby reducing future liabilities from climate-related damage. DOMINICO ZAPATA/STUFF A community finance programme could provide funding for local resilience and biodiversity projects, such as tree planting. Ciara Pratt Wetlands restoration projects could provide new jobs in the wake of Covid-19 and reduce the impact of climate change. Ross Giblin The Warm Up New Zealand programme, which offered free insulation to at-risk households, could be extended, Hall says. It could deposit money into the New Zealand Green Investment Finance fund, or relax its expected rate of return, to upscale and accelerate its activities.
Source:Stuff
March 30, 2020 23:48 UTC
State of National Emergency extended
Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare. Photo: RNZThe State of National Emergency has been extended for another seven days due to the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare said early this afternoon extending it ensures the Government has all the powers needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Each week, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black will provide the minister with advice on whether the State of National Emergency should be extended again. The country was put in a National State of Emergency on March 25 for at least seven days.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 30, 2020 23:48 UTC