[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tested positive for COVID-19, the New Zealand Prime Minister's Office announced on the 14th.
According to the announcement from the Prime Minister's Office on that day, Ardern had been in self-isolation since the 8th after her fianc? Clarke Gayford tested positive. However, she began showing COVID-19 symptoms from the previous evening, tested weakly positive at night, and a rapid antigen test (RAT) conducted that morning showed a clear positive result. It was added that Ardern's symptoms are currently mild.
Accordingly, Ardern is scheduled to remain in isolation until the morning of the 21st. The Prime Minister's Office stated, "She will not attend Parliament as planned for the government's emissions reduction plan announcement or the budget announcement," and added, "The Prime Minister will perform duties remotely where possible, but Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson will attend the press conference following the Cabinet meeting on the 16th on her behalf." However, it was added that the scheduled visit to the United States at the end of this month "is not expected to be affected at this stage."
In a post on Instagram, Ardern said, "Despite my best efforts, unfortunately, like other family members, I have tested positive for COVID-19," and added, "I hope everyone experiencing COVID or in isolation due to it manages well."
On the same day, 7,068 new community infection cases were confirmed in New Zealand. The death toll increased by 18, bringing the total to 958.
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