8 May 2022

Covid-19: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in isolation after partner Clarke Gayford tests positive

3:40 pm on 8 May 2022

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will need to isolate at home for at least the next week after her partner Clarke Gayford tested positive for Covid-19 this morning.

Clarke Gayford and Jacinda Ardern in Gisborne - Labour Party campaigning

Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas

In a social media post this morning, Ardern said Gayford "woke up feeling a bit average" and has since tested positive for Covid.

She said she felt fine, as did the couple's daughter Neve.

"I'll be working from home so anyone who watches question time, or is attending my Business NZ speech on Wednesday, you'll still see me remotely!"

Ardern said she will be working from home in Wellington.

Ardern will also chair tomorrow's Cabinet meeting remotely.

If Ardern does not test positive, her isolation period will end on 16 May - three days before Budget 2022 is delivered.