New Zealand PM Tests Positive for COVID-19

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tested positive for Covid-19 and will have to isolate herself for another week in what she called a “very Kiwi experience”.

Ardern developed symptoms on Friday evening and returned a positive test before another positive result from a rapid antigen test on Saturday morning, her office said in a statement, noting that her symptoms are moderate.

Last Sunday, her partner, Clarke Gayford, tested positive for the virus and Ardern has been in quarantine since then. She will remain isolated until the morning of Saturday 21 May.

Ardern will carry out some duties remotely but her deputy, Grant Robertson, will take the regular post-cabinet press conference on Monday.

“This is a milestone week for the government and I’m gutted I can’t be there for it,” Ardern said.

“Our emissions reduction plan sets the path to achieve our carbon zero goal and the budget addresses the long-term future and security of New Zealand’s health system," she added. “But as I said earlier in the week, isolating with Covid-19 is a very Kiwi experience this year and my family is no different.”