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

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?

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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

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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. 

dpatop - 22 March 2020, Saxony, Dresden: The musical couple Karoline Strobl and Zoltán Mácsai play the "Ode to Joy" with cello and horn on their balcony.

 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.

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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.

Close-up. Smiling young businesswoman holding cardboard box with her things.

Photo: 123RF

10.25 Covid-19 fallout on agricultural sector

Grazing cows in green meadow of hilly countryside during sunset in new zealand

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.

Cities and health

Photo: Bill McKay

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.