PM pulls out of today’s commitments

WELLINGTON: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is not well enough to chair Cabinet remotely today or to deliver her speech virtually during the lockup for today’s preBudget release of the landmark Emissions Reductions Plan.

A spokesman said Ms Ardern's participation in events this week — including the Budget — would depend on whether she was well enough each day.

Last week while Ms Ardern was isolating but before she tested positive for Covid19 she chaired Cabinet remotely and took part in Parliament's proceedings.

On Saturday, it was revealed she tested positive for Covid19 and had been symptomatic since Friday evening.

The Prime Minister will be required to isolate until the morning of Saturday, May 21.

The Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Phil Twyford, also tested positive for Covid19 earlier this week.

As a result, he is no longer able to travel to East Timor today, where he was to represent the Government at the 20th anniversary of East Timor's independence, and the inauguration of Dr Jose RamosHorta as East Timor's next President. —