Hence, it is a dangerous game National is playing as the Government deals with the possibility of the novel coronavirus — now officially named Covid-19 — arriving in New Zealand. However, Mr Woodhouse is far from convinced that border security measures are as rigid as they ought to be to prevent the disease taking hold here. On both Wednesday and Thursday, when Julie-Anne Genter answered on behalf of Dr Clark, Mr Woodhouse quoted anecdotal reports of lax screening processes at the borders. Unsaid was the suggestion Mr Woodhouse best not indulge in a fever of speculation himself. Mr Woodhouse would face an enormous temptation to say he told you so, but there could well be a backlash if he did.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 14, 2020 15:33 UTC