12 Aug 2020

Covid-19: EMA boss frustrated at use of 'lockdown' term

From Checkpoint, 6:07 pm on 12 August 2020

Level 3 restrictions in our largest city means many businesses have been forced to shut their doors until at least midnight Friday, and for some it could be the final straw after struggling to keep going during lockdown.

More than $13 billion has already been paid out in wage subsidies and almost 466,500 jobs are still being supported by the second wave of the fund that's due to end next month.

The rest of New Zealand is at level two meaning events are restricted to a maximum of a hundred people and resturants and bars have to keep customers separated, seated and served by a single person.

Brett O'Riley is the chief executive of the EMA and joins Lisa Owen.