New Zealand PM tests positive for COVID-19, to work 'via zoom' | Inquirer News

New Zealand PM tests positive for COVID-19, to work ‘via zoom’

/ 10:06 AM October 01, 2023

New Zealand PM tests positive for COVID-19

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins attends a meeting of the North Atlantic Council during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania July 12, 2023. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

SYDNEY — New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has tested positive for COVID-19 and will work remotely while isolating, his office said on Sunday, two weeks out from a general election.

Hipkins has cold and flu symptoms that began on Saturday and would isolate for five days or until he returned a negative test, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

“He will continue with engagements he can undertake via zoom,” the statement said.

FEATURED STORIES

The positive test will keep Hipkins temporarily on the campaign sidelines ahead of the Oct. 14 general election, as his struggling incumbent Labour party seeks to win another term in office.

Hipkins on Sunday was due attend a Samoan church service in Auckland, but a spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni would attend in his place.

Article continues after this advertisement

The prime minister’s office said further updates on his schedule “will be provided in due course”.

The government lifted all remaining COVID-19 requirements in August, but health authorities still recommend that people stay home for five days if feeling unwell or if they have tested positive to COVID-19.

RELATED STORIES

NZ prime minister Ardern tests positive for COVID-19

Troubleshooter Chris Hipkins faces a tough road as New Zealand PM

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: COVID-19, Health, New Zealand, Politics

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.