Video / Dean PurcellInfluencers were deployed in Auckland's March lockdown as the Government fretted about irascible social media users undermining the pandemic response. "Public reaction to particular individuals who have not used the Covid-19 Tracer app or otherwise failed to follow good practices suggests a possible erosion of this." Intelligence on reactions a Covid-19 cluster provoked on social media was discussed when Cabinet considered how to combat the pandemic. A March document showed the Government sought help from social media figures deemed to have reach in Māori, Pacific, Indian and youth communities. The Cabinet papers described low usage of the tracer app, prompting warnings that getting casual contacts tested would be difficult.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 07, 2021 17:01 UTC