New Zealand Prime Minister JacindaArdern tested positive for COVID-19 with moderate symptoms, her office said in a statement on Saturday. She will not be in parliament for the government’s emissions reduction plan on Monday and for the budget on Thursday, but “her trade mission to the United States for travel arrangements is unaffected at this stage,” the statement said.
Arden was therapeutic since Friday evening, returning to a weak positive at night and a clear positive on Saturday morning in a rapid antigen test, he said. She has been in isolation since Sunday, when her partner, Clark Gayford, tested positive, it said. Due to the positive test, Arden will need to be isolated until the morning of May 21 to determine what duties he can handle remotely.
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson will address the media in his place on Monday. “This is a landmark week for the government and I cannot be present for it,” Ardern said in a statement. Our emissions reduction plan paves the way for achieving our carbon zero goal and the budget addresses the long-term future and security of New Zealand’s healthcare system, “she said. Kiwi has a lot of experience this year and my family is no different. “
Ardern also said on Saturday that his daughter Nave tested positive on Wednesday. “Despite my best efforts, unfortunately I have joined the rest of my family and tested positive for Covid 19,” Ardern posted on his official Instagram page.
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