New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arderntested positive for COVID-19 with moderate symptoms, her office said in a statement on Saturday.
She will not be in parliament for the government’s emissionsreduction plan on Monday and the budget on Thursday, but “travel arrangements for her trade mission to the United States are unaffected at this stage,” the statement said.
Ardern had been symptomatic since Friday evening, returninga weak positive at night and a clear positive on Saturdaymorning on a rapid antigen test, it said.
She has been in isolation since Sunday, when her partnerClarke Gayford tested positive, it said.
Due to the positive test, Ardern will be required to isolateuntil the morning of May 21, undertaking what duties she canremotely.
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson will address media inher place on Monday.
“This is a milestone week for the Government and I’m guttedI can’t be there for it,” Ardern said in the statement.
“Our emissions reduction plan sets the path to achieve ourcarbon zero goal and the budget addresses the long-term futureand security of New Zealand’s health system,” she said. “But as I said earlier in the week isolating with COVID-19 is a verykiwi experience this year and my family is no different.”
Ardern also said on Saturday that her daughter Neve hadtested positive on Wednesday.
“Despite best efforts, unfortunately I’ve joined the rest ofmy family and have tested positive for COVID 19,” Ardern posted on her official Instagram page