Pacific nations Queensland closes its border help citizens
AUCKLAND: Governments and organisations around the Pacific are looking at ways to financially assist their citizens and people through the Covid19 pandemic. Pacific
An extraordinary session of French Polynesia’s assembly has been called for today to vote on a rescue package in the face of the crisis.
Labour and tourism minister Nicole Bouteau outlined the measures proposed to offset the sudden halt of economic activity.
People whose work contracts had been suspended would be eligible for a $US900 ($NZ1543) indemnity, as would selfemployed people whose work had dried up because of the crisis.
Twentyfive people have contracted Covid19 in French Polynesia.
In Tonga, those who have lost jobs or businesses were being encouraged to get in touch with their bank for assistance.
The Reserve Bank has agreed to support the Government and economy through the pandemic.
Niue’s Chamber of Commerce has pledged $US58,000 to help the island’s struggling businesses.
Premier Sir Toke Talagi said further help for the private sector was likely.
All public sector workers have been sent home for two weeks. — The New Zealand Herald
BRISBANE: The border has shut, schools are closed and dozens more people have been exposed to coronavirus after a man who tested positive visited three bars and restaurants on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Two Queenslanders have now died from coronavirus following the death of a 68yearold man on the Darling Downs, while the national toll stands at 12.
The virus continues to spread, with another 50 new cases of coronavirus confirmed yesterday taking the state’s total to 493, but noone is in intensive care.
The state borders closed at midnight on Wednesday, throwing traffic into chaos as thousands of people were funnelled through police checkpoints.
Not since 1919 has the border between Queensland and NSW effectively been closed.
‘‘It was a nightmare, absolute chaos at the start’’ Gold Coast traffic branch boss Bradyn Murphy said.
Queensland schools will be pupilfree from Monday. although children of essential workers will still be able to attend.
Despite the state’s rising tally, tomorrow’s local government elections will go ahead.
The Australian Medical Association of Queensland yesterday repeated its concerns about the elections potentially spreading the virus. It has urged voters to wear face masks if they have them. — AAP