Morning Report

A group of academics are calling on the government to get the country back to normal as soon as the lockdown ends, but other experts are saying normality could be months away.

The group, led by University of Auckland epidemiologist Simon Thornley, says New Zealand should move to Alert Level 2 as soon as Alert Level 4 is over to protect the economy.

Others say it's likely a more gradual easing of restrictions will take place.

Professor Michael Baker, an epidemiologist from the University of Otago Wellington, speaks to Corin Dann.

Rest homes are now looking at buying their own Covid-19 testing kits after the Ministry of Health refused to test new admissions.

Infections have now spread to four rest homes - one in Auckland, one in Waikato and two in Christchurch, including the Rosewood Rest home from where three people have died.

Conan Young reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Tertiary students are hoping a promised government package will help students struggling to pay for essentials like food and power because of the lockdown.

Students associations say weekly student allowance and loan payments barely cover rent for many students and the casual or part-time work they depend on for other expenses has stopped.

RNZ's education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

The Government is launching three digital mental health tools today to help people deal with the effects of Covid-19.

Two apps and an e-therapy course will use things like daily web seminars and practical tips to help support mental wellbeing.

They are being funded by the $500 million Covid-19 health package announced last month and Health Minister David Clark says they should help a lot of people.

A major healthcare provider is struggling to get personal protection equipment for their staff, with the ability to get the equipment differing from one District Health Board to another.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said a fortnight ago masks were being distributed to DHBs to give to frontline healthcare workers.

He said those workers should be able to feel safe. But Rachael Newfield from Green Cross Health told RNZ political reporter Jo Moir that's not been their experience.

News from the rural and farming sector.

A brief update from the business sector.

Recycling has been put on hold by a number of councils during Alert Level 4, but that has left households wondering what to do with an ever increasing pile of paper and plastic.

Residents are being urged to hang on to the materials until service is resumed.

Many don't have the space to keep four weeks-worth of cardboard, and glass in their homes and throwing it all into the landfill instead raises issues in its own right.

So, what can you do to help out?

Harry Lock has been investigating the options.

Top stories this morning... Rest homes consider buying their own Covid 19 testing kits in a bid to keep their residents safe. Stocking shelves at supermarkets is now a desirable job for tens of thousands desperate for work. A major healthcare provider says it is still struggling to get even a week's worth of personal protection