New Zealand: Mr. Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand, has tested positive for COVID-19 amid campaigning ahead of the election on October 14. Mr. Hipkins cancelled his upcoming campaign plans after the Labour leader tested positive in Auckland.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister stated that “Mr. Hipkins has cold and flu symptoms that began yesterday. He will be isolating for five days or until he returns a negative test.” “The PM will continue with engagements he can undertake via Zoom,” the spokesman added.
Mr. Hipkins posted on Instagram that he would try to keep up campaign engagements remotely.
“Bugger! After a rough night, I woke up this morning feeling pretty unwell and just got this test result. I’m in close contact with New Zealanders on the campaign trail, and I don’t want to pass it on to anyone, so I’ll be following the guidance and isolating for a few days or until I get a negative test,” the PM shared.
“The campaign might have started slow, but I’ve decided I’m going to enjoy the last two-and-a-half weeks of it, and so this is the level of energy you’re going to see from me,” the PM previously said after a debate.
“It’s been a challenging year, and our campaign probably took a wee while to get up a decent head of steam, but I’m really enjoying myself now, and I’m fully going to enjoy the next two and a half weeks,” Mr. Hipkins remarked.
“Get well soon, Mr. Chris Hipkins. I will see you back on the campaign trail before too long,” opposition leader Mr. Christopher Luxon shared.
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