17 Mar 2020

As it happened: The latest Covid-19 developments in NZ and around the world

7:44 pm on 17 March 2020

As Covid-19 spreads around the world, it can be daunting keeping up with the information. For RNZ, our responsibility is to give you verified, up to the minute, trustworthy information to help you make decisions about your lives and your health. We'll also be asking questions of officials and decision makers about how they're responding to the virus. Our aim is to keep you informed.

Two travellers from South East Asia are in custody after failing to comply with self-isolation requirements and are facing possible deportation.

It comes as three new cases are confirmed in this country.

Immigration NZ this kind of behaviour was "completely irresponsible" and will not be tolerated.

The two travellers are currently being quarantined. If they fail to depart after quarantine, they will be arrested and detained under the Immigration Act.

In other news, the New Zealand government has revealed details of a $12.1b rescue package, describing it as "the most significant peace-time economic plan in modern NZ history".

Businesses will receive the lion's share of the economic rescue package - worth 4 percent of GDP - as New Zealand responds to the Covid-19 crisis.

In total, $8.7b will go to support businesses and jobs; $2.8b will be for income support and boosting consumer spending; and $500 million will be spent on health.

  • If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)

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