The Government will this week provide much-anticipated details on what New Zealand can expect when the country goes back into alert level 3, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says; and up to 60,000 hospitality workers could soon be out of work as industry bosses look at novel ways to stay afloat in the wake of coronavirus.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed her as the nurse who kept him alive as he battled coronavirus. But Jenny McGee says she was ‘just doing her job’, according to the expat Kiwi’s family. Johnson said ‘Jenny from Invercargill’ was one of two nurses who stood by his bedside for 48 hours.
In other news, the Government will this week provide much-anticipated details on what New Zealand can expect when the country goes back into alert level 3, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. And she appears determined to avoid the messy, conflicting statements that left many Kiwis confused when the country went into lockdown almost three weeks ago.
In business news, taxi company Green Cabs has halted trading during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the future of 160 jobs on the line. A message on the company’s website reads: “Due to the impact of Covid-19 on our economy and our operation, for now, Green Cabs have halted trading.”
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post, a group of public health experts has broken ranks on the Government’s lockdown strategy, calling for a return to near-normal life in two weeks. As the number of new coronavirus cases continue to drop, the group of academics told Stuff the Government’s lockdown plan is out of proportion with the health risks posed by the virus.
In other news, up to 60,000 hospitality workers could soon be out of work as industry bosses look at novel ways to stay afloat in the wake of coronavirus. Foodtrucks, kiosks and a change in alcohol laws are on the cards to minimise the growing impact of lockdown on the hospitality sector.
In business news, Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin says supermarkets have a privilege and a responsibility in being allowed to continue to trade through the Covid-19 level four lockdown and the co-operative plans to give back to New Zealand to help it through. Foodstuffs’ brands New World, Pak’n Save, Four Square, Gilmours and Trents have committed to donate more than $1 million to help New Zealanders who are facing tough times due to the impact of coronavirus.
* The Press
In The Press, fears are growing for the remaining elderly rest home residents in isolation at a Christchurch hospital after a third coronavirus death in their cluster. A man in his 80s died on Sunday, bringing New Zealand’s Covid-19 death toll to five. He was a resident of Rosewood Rest Home, which is now linked to three deaths and 33 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases.
In other news, a touch of magic has sprung up in Christchurch forest. Hundreds of mini fairy homes have appeared on trees at Bottle Lake, adding to a small pre-existing collection. Where the creations first came from remains a mystery, but making them has become a popular pastime for children and families during lockdown.
In business news, good news, millennials, that smashed avo on toast isn’t just good for you, it’s good for our virus-hit economy. With cafes and restaurants closed, New Zealand has a surplus of avocados and shoppers can expect to find the fruit in supermarkets for longer and at lower prices than usual.
