The Government is moving to allay fears about fresh Covid-19 outbreaks when schools reopen next week by saying there is very little chance of anyone with the virus being on school grounds; and funding for desperate general practices for the second half of lockdown has been blocked by the Government.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, the Government is moving to allay fears about fresh Covid-19 outbreaks when schools reopen next week by saying there is very little chance of anyone with the virus being on school grounds. That was because community transmission was all but snuffed out, which director general of health Ashley Bloomfield said was further peace of mind on the back of evidence that children were not strong vectors of transmission.
In other news, the principal of Jacinda Ardern’s former college has criticised the decision that allows some students back to school next week, telling parents their children can die from the virus and the Government has passed on child-minding duties to teachers. In a three-page newsletter obtained by the Herald, Morrinsville College principal John Inger warns of the “potential disaster” of sending children back to the school once level 4 lifts next week.
In business news, funding for desperate general practices for the second half of lockdown has been blocked by the Government. It comes as GPs brace for a “tsunami” of patients who’d put off seeing a doctor and pulling the rug on the payment could see some practices financially compromised, says the primary care sector. The Ministry of Health said the $11 million package was part of an “ongoing conversation” with the sector and the Government.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post, Sylvia Heaven, almost blind and aged 93 went into hospital for a simple skin graft, believing she’d be back at her rest home in four days or so. Instead, she’s stayed there for three weeks, awaiting a coronavirus test that Hutt Hospital officials insisted she didn’t need. She unwittingly got caught up in rules and regulations, between those of the Ministry of Health and those of her rest home.
In other news, Wairoa’s mayor, Craig Little, was the subject of a code of conduct investigation over alleged sexual harassment that cost ratepayers $55,000 in settlement and legal costs, it can now be revealed. The investigation was sparked by a female employee after she complained to Wairoa District Council’s chief executive officer about Little’s behaviour towards her in mid-2017.
In business news, it might have been a bumper vintage, but wineries both big and small have had to change their marketing strategies in order to sell their drop and it’s a struggle for some. Wineries that rely on cellar door sales, restaurants and cafes for trade have suffered major losses during the past few weeks.
* The Press
In The Press, moist, unchanged personal protective equipment (PPE) probably led to three Christchurch health workers being exposed to the novel coronavirus, an investigation has found. The Christchurch District Health Board confirmed last week that three staff members had tested positive for Covid-19 in relation to the Rosewood Rest Home and Hospital cluster of cases.
In other news, Uber Eats will resume deliveries next week when the country moves into alert level three but some restaurants hope customers will instead come to them directly. The food delivery service, which has been on pause for a month, will resume with contactless delivery on Tuesday and offer a tipping option to funnel more money to restaurants.
In business news, an anonymous $14,000 donation has kept a Christchurch creative space from falling victim to the coronavirus economic downturn. Exchange Christchurch, a space in Waltham for artists and creators to collaborate, started crowdfunding last week in order to cover its costs and keep the space open after the nationwide lockdown lifts.
