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Coronavirus crisis: COVID-struck NZ PM Jacinda Ardern missing in cabinet

Ben McKayAAP
NZ PM Jacinda Ardern caught COVID-19 on the weekend following the infection of her partner.
Camera IconNZ PM Jacinda Ardern caught COVID-19 on the weekend following the infection of her partner. Credit: AP

Jacinda Ardern is experiencing moderate symptoms from COVID-19 and will miss a landmark day in New Zealand’s climate change response.

On Monday, her government will announce its first emissions reduction plan, a project initiated during her first term of government.

Even while isolating, Ms Ardern was to videolink into the announcement, but the virus has laid her low, cancelling her involvement in her flagship policy.

Energy Minister Megan Woods said Ms Ardern was “doing okay”.

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“She is settling down for a week of isolation,” she told Radio NZ.

“We’ve made the decision (for her to rest as) she’s got some pretty hefty obligations later in the week.

“As she repeatedly tells everyone else, people do need to rest when they get COVID.”

The Labour leader caught COVID-19 after her partner Clarke Gayford did so last week.

Ms Ardern announced her diagnosis on Instagram, sharing a picture of a rapid antigen test as a photo.

It is the first time Ms Ardern has caught the virus during the pandemic.

Ms Ardern is also missing cabinet on Monday and her weekly “post-cab” press conference.

Monday’s announcement comes ahead of the budget on Thursday and a trip to the United States later in the week, when she will give Harvard University’s Commencement Address.

Ms Woods said the trip was being assessed “as we go” but there were no changes planned at this stage.

“She’s really gutted not to be parliament this week, it’s a pretty big week, and we’re gutted not to have her there.”

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