News
The Minister of Finance Grant Robertson and Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay will provide a COVID-19 update at 1.00 pm today.
The Government is to provide interest free loans for a year to small businesses affected by Covid-19.
The Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme will provide assistance of up to $100,000 to firms employing 50 or fewer full time workers.
The Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the scheme will provide $10,000 to every eligible firm and in addition $1800 dollars per equivalent full time employee.
He says the loans will be interest free if they are paid back within a year.
Details from today’s update:
- There are 3 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today.
- One case is linked to overseas travel, one to a known case and one is under investigation
- There are now 1132 confirmed cases and 347 probable cases.
- There are six people in hospital, none are in intensive care.
- There are still 16 significant clusters, one cluster has not seen new cases in 28 days and will be closed.
- Three staff members tested positive for Covid-19 at Waitakere Hospital. One is included in today’s cases, one from yesterday and one over the weekend.
- The source of staff contracting Covid-19 is still under investigation. Full PPE was provided and worn at all times.
Grant Robertson is now speaking.
- There have been 281 breaches under level 3, an increase of 96 in the past 24 hours.
- Increases in numbers show police are stepping up enforcement, Robertson says.
- Most NZers are doing the right thing and increases in breaches come from NZers making reports.
- There has been an increase in reports about parties in residential houses. Robertson warns those making plans for the weekend to cancel them now.
- The virus has proven it will spread easily at events like these, Robertson says. “Don’t be an idiot, stick to your bubble and everyone will be better off”.
- The winter energy payment has been doubled this year – $1400 for couples, $900 for single people.
- Robertson is announcing further support measures for businesses.
- Small and medium size businesses can access interest free loans from the 12th of May. This is a 100% government lending scheme, Robertson says.
- The interest rate will be 3% but will be interest free if paid off within a year.
- This support will help more than 400,000 businesses with fewer than 50 staff.
- Robertson says our arts sector has suffered an intense blow as we fight Covid-19.
- We are bringing our arthouse to your house, Robertson says. The New Zealand International Film Festival will be screened online this year.
- This support will help more than 400,000 businesses with fewer than 50 staff.
- Robertson says our arts sector has suffered an intense blow as we fight Covid-19.
- We are bringing our arthouse to your house, Robertson says. The New Zealand International Film Festival will be screened online this year.