Clark David; Mallard TrevorMINISTERIAL STATEMENTSCOVID-19 Outbreak—New Zealand ResponseHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): I wish to make a ministerial statement in accordance with Standing Order 355 about the novel coronavirus. The novel coronavirus recently named as COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organization on 31 December. As members will be aware since that time there have been more than 43000 cases and over 1000 deaths—the vast majority within China. In New Zealand we have not yet had a confirmed case but we are taking the threat very seriously and we are well prepared. Our comprehensive health response began on 6 January when the Ministry of Health first sent out advice to DHBs and primary care about the virus. Arrangements were quickly made to ensure that health advice was being provided at the border in a range of languages including traditional and simplified Chinese.I'm advised that providing clear health advice remains our best protection against the spread of the coronavirus and that remains a key part of our ongoing response to this issue. An incident control team was set up within the ministry in the week of 20 January. That same week on 24 January the Government's interagency pandemic group met as a precaution. At all times our response to the coronavirus has been informed by the best available public health advice from doctors and clinical experts. That advice and our response are under constant review to ensure we continue to follow best practice and work closely with our international partners.Based on expert public health advice on 27 January we deployed public health nurses at Christchurch and Auckland international airports to meet all flights from mainland China to provide advice and check anyone displaying symptoms. Those measures are ongoing. On 28 January Cabinet met for the first time this year and made the novel coronavirus a notifiable disease under the Health Act—that means we have all the appropriate public health powers in place to deal with the COVID-19 if and when it arrives in New Zealand.That same day the Ministry of Health activated the National Health Coordination Centre which is operating seven days a week to monitor the situation and which provides updated advice on a daily basis. Our response to the coronavirus has been measured and responsive. As the number of cases has increased and disease has spread we have been constantly reviewing our position to ensure we are doing what is required to keep New Zealanders safe.On Monday 3 February the Government introduced travel restrictions that prevent anyone other than New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who have been in China in the last 14 days from entering New Zealand. This step was not taken lightly but followed updated health advice and was in step with Australia the US and several other countries—more have since followed suit. I would note that our border restrictions complement the actions taken by the Chinese Government to contain this virus within its borders. No country has taken stricter measures at their border than China itself.All New Zealanders who have been in China in the last 14 days and have returned home since the travel restrictions were introduced have been asked to go into self-isolation for 14 days which is believed to be longer than the incubation period of this virus. Previous experience suggests that self-isolation compliance rates will be high as people are conscious of the risks that infectious diseases pose to their family whānau and community. For example during the 2009 influenza pandemic there were high rates of compliance in the initial weeks of the event and the ministry did not need to use any powers to ensure self-isolation. So far more than 1800 people have self-registered with Healthline about their isolation. Healthline staff are keeping in regular contact with those people to provide them advice and support and to check on their welfare. Customs and the Ministry of Health are also sharing data to enable Healthline to proactively contact anyone who has returned from China but has yet to register with Healthline.Members will also be aware that the Government arranged an evacuation flight for New Zealanders and Pacific Island citizens in the city of Wuhan: 157 people remain in isolation at the military facility at Whangaparāoa. They are receiving regular health checks and if anyone displays any symptoms no matter how mild they are being tested for coronavirus. To date no one has tested positive.New Zealand is well placed to respond to emerging infectious diseases we have a strong public health service and a longstanding—SPEAKER: Order! The member's time has expired.