Government COVID-19 National Response Update, 16th April

The All of Government COVID-19 National Response will provide an update at 1.00 pm today.

Today’s Covid-19 update from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
Just a reminder – this is when Ardern is expected to reveal details about what will be able to happen – or not – under alert level 3.

https://whatsoninvers.nz/alert-level-3-information-on-work-business-education-gatherings-exercise-recreation/

Live Update Details: Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield says there has been an extra 15 cases. six are confirmed, nine are probable, and there are no new deaths. 670 people have recovered and the total 1401.
There are 12 people in hospital, three are in ICU. Two are in a critical condition.
Four percent of cases are under investigation.
Dr Bloomfield says detailed analysis was being done on every new case.
Yesterday 3661 tests were analysed and the total tests were 60,160
Two new testing facilities are online.
11 of the new cases are connected to the 16 cluster
Bloomfield said he is Awaiting a coroners report on the death of an Invercargill man.

Watch the live stream

Live Update Details: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says indications at this stage are promising.
“We should not confuse the success of our actions with overreaction.”
She says examples overseas show what happens if no action is taken.
Ardern says the country needs to prepare for what is next – life under different alert levels. Information today is about levels 1, 2, and 3.
What she reveals is in “no way” foreshadowing the government decision that will be made on Monday.
“The last thing we want to do when moving levels is give away the gains we have made in lockdown.”
Ardern says at level 3, there’s still a high risk the virus can bounce back.
This will still aim to restrict contact between people. “You will still primarily stay.”

“There are some key differences though.” Ardern says at level three you have to keep your bubble.Caregivers, children in shared care, or other close contacts can be included. Businesses and workplaces moves from essential operations to safe operations. “You must work from home if you can.”If you cannot, you can return to work if health and safety expectations are applied.
Some businesses won’t be able to open in their usual ways – bars, cafes and restaurants as well as malls and retail stores. Deliveries, takeaways and click and collect shopping can take place.
Re-opening businesses comes with responsibilities to keep people safe, Ardern says.
There will be a partial re-opening of education. Pre-school and schooling will be open for up to year 10.
Children are still encouraged to keep learning via distance, where they can.
Same for universities.
Travel restrictions will remain. However, people will be able to “keep it regional” rather than “keep it local”. Ardern doesn’t want cases taken to different regions.
She says you can swim, surf and fish from the shore. But don’t take up a new activity you haven’t done before. Don’t take part in motorised activities.
Funerals can go ahead but with no more than 10 people. Same number for weddings, but they can only be services.
Ardern says, finally, there are more opportunities to come into contact with others. But stay two metres away from people, she says.
“Fundamentally though, the more distance, the better.”
“Act like those around you and near you will have Covid.”
She advised keeping notes on where people went and who with, and when, in the case that contact tracing was required if someone caught Covid-19.
“Ultimately, level three is a progression, no a rush to normality. Many things will feel the same as they do now,” Ardern said.
“Common sense, following the rules, and trusting each other” will be the new defence against the virus, once the virtual wall the lockdown has created is gone, Ardern said.
“It is fair to say that lockdown is much easier to enforce.” More people will be moving about in level 3, and that will mean people have to take more responsibility that they are doing the right thing.
She said authorities would look at cycles of infections – two weeks each – when considering how long to spend in certain alert levels.
Dr Bloomfield said health authorities would aim to do as much care as possible while keeping staff and patients safe in different levels. As many consultations via distance would be conducted.
It was estimated that it was hard to estimate how many people would be able to go back to work under level 3, Ardern said.
We want to make the decision to move out at the right time, so we don’t move back into lockdown, Ardern said.
Stay home if possible, social distancing and restricting contacts is still key under level 3, Ardern says.
Ardern says we have four cases with questions around them – a small number that may tell us something bigger.

Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.