Clarke Gayford has waded into the conversation about the Government’s somewhat delayed move to announce whether or not Auckland will be moving down alert levels.<\/p>\n
And it seems that a final round of Covid-19 results due this morning will determine that final decision.<\/p>\n
Former Wellington chef Martin Bosley took to Twitter to share his view ahead of the 11.30am announcement – which will come despite Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Cabinet already making the decision yesterday.<\/p>\n
“Feeling really sorry for all Auckland hospo having to wait until 11.30am today to find out about moving levels,” Bosley wrote.<\/p>\n
“It’s utterly ludicrous. Stay strong, my friends. Keep the faith.”<\/p>\n
The PM’s fiance, Gayford, replied to the Tweet; saying: “Martin an inprinciple decision was decided but its all pending on final test results (sic).”<\/p>\n
Bosley replied: “Thanks Clarke. I appreciate the clarification.”<\/p>\n
The timing of the announcement late this morning has been met with criticism from those in the business sector and politicians alike.<\/p>\n
Auckland has not seen a positive case of Covid-19 in the community in the past two weeks and Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins yesterday said he was “optimistic” the city would be moving into alert level 1 by the weekend.<\/p>\n
National Party leader Judith Collins labelled the delay the “height of arrogance” from the Government.<\/p>\n
She said it had shown itself devoid of understanding about the rigours of trying to operate a business.<\/p>\n
“Kiwis deserve more respect.”<\/p>\n
It has been a fortnight since a community case was confirmed in Papatoetoe – a 21-year-old man who had visited a local gym on Friday, February 26, after getting a Covid test.<\/p>\n
He had visited several places throughout the week – when he was considered to be infectious – including the Manukau Institute of Technology campus, where he is a student, and City Fitness Papatoetoe twice.<\/p>\n
The next day, on Saturday night, an emergency media conference was called and Ardern announced Auckland would be moving into alert level 3 lockdown for seven days in a bid to contain any potential spread of the virus.<\/p>\n