New Zealand health minister Dr David Clark offered his resignation after admitting that he drove 20 kms to the beach with his family for a walk. The incident comes days after he was criticised for going mountain biking during the isolation period.
Clark, who labelled himself an “idiot,” was demoted and stripped of his role as associate finance minister. Clark while offering his resignation to the prime minister wrote that the beach trip was, “clear breach of the lockdown principles of staying local.” He also provided Ardern evidence of his activity outside his home during ‘Alert level-4’.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, “I expect better, and so does New Zealand.” She added that she would have sacked Clark under normal circumstances but needed him during the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
New Zealand is under nationwide lockdown, imposed nearly two weeks ago to limit person-to-person contact and therefore, potential exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. People are not allowed to leave their homes unless necessary. Non-essential businesses have been asked to shut down; schools and colleges have been shut.
As per the notice ordering lockdown, Kiwis can step out to an outdoor recreational area easily accessible to their residence. And while doing so, must maintain two metres distance from others.
New Zealand’s health ministry confirmed 32 confirmed and 22 probable cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday. This brings the total number of confirmed and probable cases of the virus to 1,160 in the country.
Twelve people are in the hospital with one in critical care as per a Xinhua report. One person has died so far and 242 people recovered.