New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in self-isolation for five days or until he returns a negative test. This announcement occurred just two weeks prior to the country’s upcoming general election.
Though his illness may have temporarily set him back in the campaign for the election, his good health is of utmost importance right now and the New Zealand citizens are taking it very seriously. “Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this time. We know how proactive he usually is with engaging with the public and he is in our prayers,” says a local citizen.
In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni will be standing in for Hipkins at a Samoan church service in Auckland on Sunday.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, Hipkins said, “Thanks to all of Labour’s great volunteers and supporters who I know will keep our campaign going in my absence. There’s a lot at stake this election, and I’ll be working doubly hard when I can get back out there to make sure Labour is reelected.”
Though his campaign has been affected, Prime Minister Hipkins is still determined to keep the election going while being away from it. He will continue with engagements he can undertake via Zoom, such as press conferences and meetings, while in isolation.
The Government of New Zealand has already eradicated its last COVID restrictions in August, and health authorities still recommend that people stay home for five days if feeling unwell or if they have tested positive. As the Prime Minister continues to take care of himself during his five days of self-isolation, he continues to remind the public that health always comes first during this pandemic.
Prime Minister’s press secretary, Lydia Ferguson, says “The Prime Minister is very grateful for all the messages he has received since the news of his positive test result was made public. This is an important reminder that the virus is still out there and we all need to stay vigilant.”
The news of Prime Minister Hipkins’ diagnosis comes just two weeks prior to the general election where his Labour party is currently trailing behind the center-right National party. However, despite this news, his office is determined to keep the election going and Hipkins is remaining positive and determined to continue his campaign after his recovery. “I’m confident the Labour party will prove its mettle in the election and with your support, will come out victorious,” he said in an official statement.
We hope for the best for Prime Minister Hipkins’ recovery and for the Labour party’s victory during the upcoming election.
