Bridges SimonHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the Opposition): I rise to speak on this matter given its significance for New Zealand and globally and also given the significant uncertainty there is in relation to this matter. I want to say from the outset on the coronavirus that the Opposition stand ready to collaborate and to work with the Government on this matter of great importance in every facet of it. I myself have been thinking about it from very early on when I heard about it in China and making sure every single day I understand what is happening on it. Indeed that's partly why my health spokesperson was very quick to call for actions in this area and there's been some criticism of that but I make no apology on an issue of this significance for the Opposition and National Party to hold the Government to account on it.I regret that at every single step of the way my clear view is that the Government has done too little too late. We've had comprehensive analysis conducted on where the United Kingdom Australia and the United States have been and at every step as they have done things we have been several days behind them. I could run through that in some detail but I simply want to touch on screening and the many examples I've been told about from members of my caucus from members of the public who've spoken to me about this issue. In theory there is screening happening now in New Zealand from affected flights coming to New Zealand. This weekend for example—and it is the only one I will give—I talked to a constituent of mine on the telephone who in fact lives very close to where I live. His clear view bringing his family back from a neighbouring province and with great concerns about the effect of this on them was that there was nothing that happened as they came through New Zealand—no screening no checks no nothing. What is also true is that as I rang him because he'd contacted my office and I think I've met him before he was out in self-isolation in a public space where many other people were and he'd made quite clear that no one has contacted him. He has had nothing happen in relation to that self-isolation".I suggest that actually if we don't see harm in New Zealand it will be much more by good luck than by good management and good practice by the Government. I regret to say I don't believe the Minister of Health is leading on this issue in any way shape or form. He waited for the first Cabinet to make preliminary decisions on this matter when a week earlier than that decisions should have been made on this incredibly significant issue. I believe we must be more proactive more precautionary in the way we handle this issue of coronavirus. The Minister said that the Government the Ministry of Health has been measured. I regret to say I think what he really means is "laid-back". Kiwis are laid-back but on an issue like this that is not good enough.I want to record the Chinese community's very clear outpouring of views and concerns in relation to this throughout New Zealand. They've been strong they have been forthright and as I say they have been concerned—deeply concerned—about the lack of measures the lateness of the measures in relation to these matters. I record as well my view and I'm sure a view that the House agrees with that there is absolutely no room for racism in this country on this issue in relation to our Chinese community who are valued members of our society.I also want to make this final point that is wider than health when it comes to coronavirus: it is quite clear on the reports that are out in international media about a very significant shutdown throughout China of manufacturing and industry. There is undoubtedly an economic effect that will hit and is hitting this country. Even today were this issue to resolve itself it will not be insignificant. I look forward to hearing very clearly from the Government what their economic strategy in relation to this issue—that is a health issue but is also much wider and affects our economy—is and will be."