Wednesday, 14 April 2021, 1:22 pm
Parliament’s Epidemic Response Committee must return to
allow proper scrutiny of the Government’s Covid-19
Response, Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and
National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson Chris Bishop
say.
“The Government-controlled Health Select
Committee has proven itself ill-equipped and ill-suited to
the task of properly examining the Government’s Covid-19
response,” Ms Collins says.
“Whether by design or
by accident, this has limited scrutiny of the
Government.
“Today’s farcical hearing, chaired by
a Labour list MP, was appalling. Repeated attempts by the
Opposition to question officials on the numerous problems
impacting the vaccine roll-out, MIQ, and border testing
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Press Release – New Zealand Government
The Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice.
“New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy in good shape,” Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said.
“One of our strengths has been our commitment to constantly learn and adapt.
“The next phase of the pandemic poses significant challenges, including the emergence of new variants, but it also provides us with new opportunities,” Chris Hipkins said.
08/04/2021 COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins. Photo credit: Getty Images
The government has established a new scientific advisory group to advise it on crucial COVID-19 decisions, including any changes at the border and the ongoing vaccine rollout.
One of its first tasks will be to advise on a vaccine target.
The six person group will be headed by epidemiologist Professor Sir David Skegg, and will be in place until mid next year.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said having the group was to ensure future decisions were informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice .
That would include looking at vaccination rates and scenarios should the borders reopen, interpreting scientific data for any decisions around the border, public health protections and consideration of the residual risk of the non-immunised population and the associated health system capacity needs once the border s ope
+Undoctored Independent experts to advise Government on post-vaccination future
Media release from minister for COVID-19 response Chris Hipkins and associate minister of health Ayesha Verrall
Thursday 8 April 2021, 08:44 AM
2 minutes to Read
The Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice.
“New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy in good shape,” Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said.
“One of our strengths has been our commitment to constantly learn and adapt.