A group of cabinet ministers has met to discuss the government's response to the outbreack of Covid-19.
It's been decided in principle the stand down period for accessing benefits will be waived for those who have lost their employment due to the virus.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson told Corin Dann he's also preparing to pump money into the health sector if the virus becomes widespread here.
"We will do what we have to do to keep New Zealanders safe and healthy," he said.
