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The deputy prime minister says New Zealand and Australia are “getting the crap out” of Covid-19 and could have a trans-Tasmanian bubble at Alert Level 2.
The current guidance means only essential domestic travel is allowed during Tier 2, however, Winston Peters says the trans-Tasman travel deal could become a reality if certain conditions are met.
These conditions include the absence of community transmission of the virus, as well as a period of quarantine in any of the countries.
Peters says the move could help speed economic recovery for both New Zealand and Australia.
Her bold claims came on the same day that Air New Zealand celebrated her 80th birthday.
The airline put on a brave face to mark the milestone amid the catastrophic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on its business.
Stuff reports that Mr. Peters hinted that the taxpayer may also have a greater stake in the airline in the future, citing a shakeup in the way the company is run.
“Every time [Air NZ] turned upside down, returned to the taxpayer, “he says. “This time he stays with the taxpayer.”
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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has outlined what it will take for New Zealand to move to Alert Level 2.
She says the country needs to demonstrate that we are still in control of the virus, which means there will be no big increases in Covid-19 cases and will ensure there is no community transmission. Other considerations include community testing, contact tracing, and physical distancing.
Former chief scientific adviser Sir Peter Gluckman told the epidemic response committee yesterday that many experts believe a change to Level 2 should be several weeks away.
New Zealand had three new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, including Nelson’s first confirmed case in three weeks, with a New World Stoke employee testing positive for the virus.
The woman worked at the store three times before isolating herself, however, the risk to other staff members and the public is considered low.
Meanwhile, authorities say the 265 seasonal workers who tested for the virus at Te Puke have returned negative results.
And an urgent review was also launched that investigates the impact of Covid-19 on New Zealand nursing homes, focusing on the five groups that exploded in nursing homes across the country.
Boosted winter payments
Today there is a respite for low-income families as the government’s winter energy payments begin.
This year’s payment has doubled as part of the financial response to Covid-19 and couples will receive $ 1,400 and singles $ 900 between now and October.
The government says 850,000 Kiwis will receive the payments, and more than a million people will benefit from the move once children and other household members are included.
Meanwhile, the government is also taking rapid action to protect people from loan sharks due to the financial strains caused by Covid-19.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says the measures have been put in place to help save Kiwis from being trapped in debt by high-cost loans.
Heat continues in fast food chains
The incredible demand for takeaways during New Zealand’s move to Level 3 has created all kinds of pressure on the fast food industry this week.
Retail outlets are urged to take stricter precautions, frustrated by the handling of take-out food behind many of the 1,035 Level 3 violations reported to police so far.
Authorities are now warning that they can take action if necessary, as WorkSafe has the ability to close a business in serious cases.
Fast food outlets are also experiencing other problems, as the Herald reports that some McDonald’s restaurants may have to close their doors due to a shortage of ingredients.
And Stuff reports that Invercargill’s two KFC stores are now closed until tomorrow after they both ran out of chicken.
A great medical breakthrough?
An antiviral drug developed to fight Ebola is being hailed as a possible game changer in the battle against Covid-19.
Scientists in the United States say that Remdesivir trials have shown that it can help patients recover more quickly from the virus.
The US government USA He is now working to make the drug available to patients as quickly as possible, although some are calling for caution regarding the drug.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the Director-General for Health says the country currently has no plans to develop its own Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr. Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand will work closely with Australia and other international vaccine developers, and details are expected “within the next week.”
Other important news this morning:
As Parliament urgently approves a fiscal support package, Seven Sharp looks at where the money for the government’s Covid-19 policies really comes from.
Authorities at the Women’s Shelter say they anticipate an increase in reports of family violence as the country begins to emerge from confinement.
The trailer of a fully loaded cargo truck crashed into the Karangahake Gorge, killing and injuring the cows, and creating a difficult scene for rescue workers.
Ski resort operators are exploring all options as they head into what is expected to be an extremely quiet season.
Youthline has seen an increase in the number of young kiwis accessing its services during the Covid-19 pandemic, while organizations working with homeless youth have to be innovative in helping them during the lockdown.
And the Prime Minister’s feather earring fashion statement at a recent press conference has seen increased demand for recycled jewelry.
The McCaw police dog was stabbed while hunting a suspected criminal in Rotorua.
Source: supplied
A police dog named after former All Black Richie McCaw is recovering well after being stabbed in Rotorua this month.
McCaw (the dog) was injured while tracking a suspected criminal in Fordlands, but has now returned to enjoying treatment or two while completing rehabilitation after surgery on his neck.
Police say McCaw is named after a rugby player “known to resist on the field” and should be on patrol again soon.
