Week That Was: Getting the job done

Monday

Thanks to the hard work of New Zealanders, we started the week with no new cases of COVID-19. At the post-Cabinet press conference, the Prime Minister stressed that while these results are promising, we’re not out of the woods yet. The real test is whether we can hold onto our gains, and finish what we started.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to talk about Budget 2020, which will be released next week. Going hard and going early in our health response has meant we’re in a good position to restart our economy. In this Budget, we will continue the Government’s careful and balanced approach to managing the economy whilst keeping on top of the virus.

Tuesday

On Tuesday, we reported no new cases of COVID-19 for the second day in a row.

The Prime Minister spoke briefly about her attendance at the Australian National Cabinet meeting (via video), to discuss a potential trans-Tasman travel bubble.

She also noted that the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Bill was set to have its First Reading in Parliament that day. The Bill amends or modifies 45 pieces of legislation to allow businesses, local government, and others, to manage and mitigate the impacts of the response to COVID-19. These measures are part of the Government’s plan to get New Zealand moving again.

Wednesday

The Prime Minister began Wednesday's update by celebrating Microsoft's decision to establish a data centre in New Zealand, as it serves as a signal to the world that New Zealand is open for business and quality investment. 

The Prime Minister also noted that all 21 APEC economies, including New Zealand, have committed to keeping trade markets open to ensure supply chains of essential food and medical supplies continue flowing across the Asia-Pacific region.

Thursday

On Thursday, the Prime Minister provided further detail about life at Level 2. She was keen to emphasise that we currently remain at Alert Level 3, and should keep following the rules accordingly.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister provided further detail about what life will look like at Alert Level 2. She emphasised that we currently remain at Alert Level 3, and should keep following the rules accordingly.

Level 2 is a “safer normal”, designed to get as many people back to work as possible and the economy back up and running in a safe way. At Alert Level 2:

• Businesses can restart for staff and customers
• Bubbles can cease
• Domestic travel recommences 
• Schools, tertiary education institutions, and early learning centres can open
• Gatherings, both indoors and outdoors, are limited to 100 people
• Public places like pools, parks, and libraries reopen
• Sport and recreation comes back on-stream, including domestic professional sports competitions
• Hospitality must follow the three S’s – seated, separated, single server
• Walking, biking, hunting, and fishing are allowed on public conservation land.

Alert Level 2 will see significantly more activity open up across the country. This requires New Zealanders to play it safe and remain vigilant so the virus doesn’t bounce back. Strong public health measures, such as physical distancing, good hygiene, and contact tracing will be essential to making Level 2 work.

On Monday, May 11, we will make a decision on whether to move from Alert Level 3, taking into consideration the best data and advice we can, recognising the impact of restrictions, and ensuring we don’t put at risk all of the gains we have made.

Friday

The Finance Minister held Friday's press update, where he gave further detail about the Government's economic response to COVID-19.

This followed the speech the Minister made to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, where he outlined how Budget 2020 will build off the immediate actions we took to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic, to then help New Zealand recover and rebuild.

As we continue at Alert Level Three, we must continue to follow the rules and play our part to stop the spread of the virus, while rebooting economic activity. 

Look out for the next edition in this series on Friday.

As at Friday 1pm, New Zealand reported 1,490 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, with 1,347 people now classified as recovered. Over 90% of all our confirmed and probable cases are now considered to be recovered. We have 3 people in hospital, with none in intensive care. We have currently have 21 recorded deaths from COVID-19 in New Zealand. 

The total number of tests done to date is 175,835. This puts New Zealand in the top 20% of countries, per capita, for testing.

We're committed to keeping New Zealanders safe and well-informed every step of the way. We'll continue to share updates and developments of the Government's response to COVID-19.

Visit covid19.govt.nz for the latest information on COVID-19, including the alert levels, health, travel, education, business, and community issues.