Nine To Noon for Monday 23 March 2020
09:05 NZ eight days behind the UK in Covid-19 development
An epidemiologist says New Zealand can't afford to be complacent about its relatively low numbers of Covid-19 cases, and says he estimates - allowing for population size - that the country is running just eight days behind the UK. 14 new cases were confirmed yesterday, taking New Zealand's total to 66. The UK cases rose by 665 overnight, to take its total to 5683 with 281 deaths. Kathryn talks to Sir David Skegg, an epidemiologist at the University of Otago Medical School and former chairman of the Public Health Commission, Health Research Council and New Zealand Science Board about why he believes community transmission is already occurring and what tougher measures New Zealand should be implementing.
Professor David Skegg Photo: supplied
09:15 People aren't getting the message: Infectious diseases expert
David Hayman - Professor of Infections Disease Ecology at Massey University - has looked for Ebola in bats, and worked on non-vaccine preventable rabies viruses, says Covid 19 is absolutely serious in the context of infectious diseases. He joins Kathryn to talk about why not everyone seems to be taking it seriously.
09:30 Are we testing enough for COVID 19?
Photo: Wikimedia commons
6000 thousand tests have been done in New Zealand for Covid 19 since the first case entered the country from Iran on February 28th.Yesterday 1200 laboratory tests were carried out.The test are being conducted by ESR and other providers, who also provide testing services for the Pacific.Drive-through hubs set up especially for testing coronavirus are beginning to roll out in New Zealand. Kathryn talks with University of Auckland Associate Professor of molecular medicine and pathology Mark Thomas
09:40 Doctors demand more protective gear as they move to distance consultations
GPs and hospitals are bracing for a busy week ahead and GPs are moving to consulting at a distance.From today, where possible GPS are aiming to treat the bulk of their patients online or over the phone. Many clinics throughout the country prepared for the dramatic operational change over the weekend. Medical Association Chair, Kate Baddock tells Kathryn about the changes and their plea to the Health Ministry to release more protective equipment to medical practices.
09:45 Otago Uni students help out those in self-isolation
Photo: supplied
A flat of seven students in Dunedin have put out an offer to help people stuck at home in self-isolation, or too vulnerable to do things like pick up groceries or prescriptions. They've posted on Facebook to say they are willing to help, no matter how big or small the task. They've already helped out a family with four children, and delivered desperately needed nappies. Kathryn's joined by Jess Godward and Claudia Petrie.
09:55 Germany correspondent Thomas Sparrow
Germany has shut down schools and universities, as well as non-essential establishments, border controls are in force and citizens are drastically reducing their public life. The measures have been described as the most severe restrictions to civil life since World War Two.
The musical couple Karoline Strobl and Zoltán Mácsai play "Ode to Joy" with cello and horn from their balcony. Photo: AFP
10:05 Kiwifruit growers await decision on migrant workers
A government decision is expected this week to allow thousands of migrant workers to stay on in New Zealand. Bucking a trend of declining demand for workers, a bumper crop of kiwifruit is hanging heavy on the vine, but there's a shortage of people to pick it. Kathryn talks to Kiwifruit Growers Institute chief executive Nikki Johnson, who is recruiting.
Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles
10:15 Business braced for mass layoffs
Business leaders say they're bracing for mass layoffs this week and hope Cabinet will today sign off on a further package of support. RNZ understands Cabinet is to consider more help for business including lifting the existing $150,000 (per business) cap on the wage subsidy. Kathryn talks with NZ Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Michael Barnett, Kirk Hope, Business New Zealand Chief Executive and Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
Photo: 123RF
10.25 Covid-19 fallout on agricultural sector
Photo: 123RF
Tim Hunt, head of research at Rabobank Australia and New Zealand, talks to Kathryn Ryan about the Covid-induced impacts on the agricultural sector, especially as the tourism sector collapse means dairy is now the country's largest foreign exchange earner. Among the current concerns are logistics for things like getting to access to fertilisers, and foreign workers for farmers. There are also fears around getting goods to market, with perishable produce most vulnerable.
10:45 The Reading
Snapper in a Landscape written and read by Declan O’Neill: Final episode.
Unlimited webrights
11:05 Political commentators Jones & Morten
Neale Jones and Brigette Morten join Kathryn to discuss the political fallout from Covid-19.
Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of Capital Government Relations. Brigitte Morten is a senior consultant with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government.
11:30 Fig season is upon us!
The family owned, organically certified Te Mata figgery grows around 30 varieties of fresh figs and produces a wide range of fig products. It's all thanks to Murray Douglas and his wife Helen Walker who decided to chuck in their city jobs in Sydney to follow their dream in Hawke's Bay. Murray talks to Kathryn Ryan about his passion for delicious plump figs and shares a recipe for Goat's Cheese, Proscuitto and Walnut Salad.
11:45 Cities, Health and Happiness - and physical distancing
Despite the Covid-19 crisis and the need for physical distancing, cities will continue to make us healthier and happier.
Bill McKay discusses the work of urban economist Edward Glaeser.
Photo: Bill McKay
Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.