Nine To Noon for Thursday 26 March 2020

 

09:05 Lives at risk from lack protective gear for medics

There are major concerns across medical circles about the lack of Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment for hundreds of frontline staff - and warnings to District Health Boards that this could cost lives. The Nurses Organisation is appalled that some nurses having to deal with potential Covid-19 cases without the equipment which would prevent them from infection. Kathryn talks with Nurses Organisation Kaiwhakahaere, Kerri Nuku and the President of the Dental Association Dr Katie Ayers. 

09.20 How are hospitals coping with Covid 19? 

Six patients with the Covid 19 virus are in three hospitals around the country. None are in intensive care, and 22 have recovered and been discharged. Kath Cook is the Chief Executive of Mid Central Health and the Chair of the DHB Chief Executives group.

09.30 Agriculture is essential, but it's not quite business as usual

The primary sector has been listed as an essential service in the Covid-19 response. How is it coping ? This includes fishers, farmers, orchardists, winegrowers, meat and dairy processing companies, as well as vets and other essential support services for the sector. Federated Farmers, Katie Milne and Nikki Johnson, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers chief executive join us to discuss the situation.

09:40 2020 Wine vintage disruption

The Chief Executive of New Zealand Wine Growers Phillip Gregan says grapes will have to stay on the vines while the safety of vineyard workers can be assured. The grape and wine industry is allowed to operate during the COVID-19  - Alert Level  4, as it is considered an essential businesses. This does not include cellar doors and restaurants at wineries. Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough is right in middle of the harvest, but work has slowed down as vineyard owners make sure their operations meet strict Government guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

09:50 Criticism of US President's handling of Covid-19

US correspondent Ron Elving talks to Kathryn about the massive US economic recovery package is a step closer after negotiations between the White House and senate leaders, amid mounting disquiet over whether President Trump will back away from social distancing measures aimed at curbing the epidemic.

10:05 UK: 405,000 sign up to volunteer for the NHS in Covid crisis

UK correspondent Matt Dathan joins Kathryn to talk about the surge in people who signed up within 24 hours to help out the NHS in the Covid outbreak. Some 11,000 former medics have also agreed to return to the health service. Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus and is now in self-isolation in Scotland, while scientific modelling suggests the UK will reach a peak in 3 - 5 wells, limiting deaths to around 20,000 because of lockdown measures.

10.20 When will we reach peak covid? 

Mick Roberts from Massey University is a Professor in Mathematical Biology who has published over a hundred papers on modelling epidemics. He talks to Kathryn Ryan about why every single contact we reduce during the lock down is crucial, and on current projections when Covid-19 is likely to peak here.

As Prime Minister Jacinda Adern  and public health officials have reiterated the number of New Zealanders infected with Covid-19 will continue to grow, possibly steeply in the coming days, but Mick says we should not be discouraged.

10.15 Retailers shut up shop 

Many retailers have completely emptied their shops as lockdown begins. Some are citing concerns around looting, others fear their landlords will lock them out and possess stock if they miss rent payments. Greg Harford from the Retailers Association explains.

10:40 Interislander - backlog of passengers across Cook Strait

The Interislander is continuing to carry passengers and freight across Cook Strait A couple of days ago there were scenes of chaos in Picton as passengers lined up trying to get aboard. Interislander Group CEO Greg Miller says the backlog is being worked through, while ensuring passengers maintain social distancing.

10:45 How will vulnerable Kiwis get what they need under the lockdown?

Charities working with vulnerable New Zealanders say they're having to adapt how they deliver their services during the lockdown. Foodbanks have stopped accepting in-person deliveries and are instead asking people to donate money online, just as demand surges. With all retail and charity shops shut it's difficult under the lockdown to get warm bedding, clothing or heaters.  Joining Kathryn to talk about the lockdown situation is Gavin Findlay, CEO of food rescue service Kiwi Harvest, Christchurch City Missioner Matthew Mark and Conrad La Pointe, who's the general manager of Habitat for Humanity Auckland.

11:05  Getting teens to toe the Covid line

Families around the country are trying to figure out how to cope in the next month. How will teenagers and young people  - whose friends and social contacts are so important - manage in isolation? How should parents of young people communicate the new rules and get buy-in? Nathan Wallis - brain researcher, parenting coach and founder of X-Factor Education.

11:20 Tips for working from home

Dr Sarb Johal is a specialist in the psychology of disaster recovery and pandemics.  He's been thinking about ways to make working from home work for you, and has come up with 9 key points.

11:30 Christchurch mosque gunman pleads guilty

The man accused of the March 15 mosque attacks has this morning pleaded guilty to all of the charges he was facing.At the High Court in Christchurch, Brenton Tarrant admitted 51 of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one under the Terrorism Suppression Act.Until today he had denied all of the charges and was due to stand trial in June.

Kathryn speaks with Al Noor Mosque spokesman Jamal Green.

11:40 Christchurch mosque widow: "I am relieved we won't have to sit through a trial"

Shadia Amin's 68-year-old husband Ahmed Abdel-Ghany died at the Al Noor Mosque. Her son, Omar, was late to Friday prayers, otherwise he too could have been a victim.  She tells Kathryn she's shocked but relieved the victims won't have to endure a long trial.

11:50  Stargirl, Lost Girls, Super Size Me 2

Film and TV reviewer James Croot looks at new Disney flick Stagirl, packed with catchy tunes, memorable moments and a crowd-pleasing finale. He'll also talk about Lost Girls, a new film staring New Zealander Thomasin McKenzie, and Super Size Me 2, where Morgan Spurlock reignites his battle with the food industry.