Morning Report

A brief update of movements in the financial sector.

It's the first morning of New Zealand's four week lockdown in which our number one job is to stay at home to stop the spread of Covid-19.

If the message has got through there should be no one on the streets but people in jobs classified as essential.

So what does our country look like this morning?

RNZ reporters hit the streets to find out.

Patrol vessels will be doing sweeps of the Marlborough Sounds from this morning to check for any recreational boaties and yachties flouting the lockdown rules.

Marlborough Harbourmaster Luke Grogan, a keen boatie himself, speaks to Corin Dann.

The Government has frozen rents and is protecting tenants from eviction during the Covid-19 lockdown, but there is some confusion about what is expected of tenants if they get into financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic.

Some renters have received letters from property managers saying all rent must be paid as normal.

They've also been warned breach notices could be issued and applications made to terminate, if rent isn't received.

Minister of Housing Dr Megan Woods speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Air New Zealand has told thousands of its staff who're in lockdown they'll be paid for two weeks but then have to start using their leave.

Their union says the move is borderline legal and is seeking clarification.

Even worse news yesterday for Virgin Australia's 550 staff here - they're out of a job. .

Phil Pennington reports.

Some doctors are sending their children away from home during the lockdown as they struggle with child care while on the frontline of Covid-19.

They say it's been a stressful few days since the alert level four announcement.

It's not just about who cares for their children day to day but about how to stop the disease spreading through their homes.

RNZ health correspondent Rowan Quinn reports.

Senior economists are predicting unemployment to reach 15 percent, with one warning it could even hit 30 percent as Covid-19 brings the economy to a shuddering halt.

They say the sudden stop to most sectors will make the pandemic far more economically damaging than even the Global Financial Crisis.

Guyon Espiner reports.

It is a "wartime level of investment".

That's how the Senate republican leader, Mitch McConnell, described the colossal US$2 trillion stimulus package that's just been agreed between Senate leaders and the White House.

News of the deal, which still has to be approved by the Senate, saw Asian stock markets rise in early trading; buoyed at the prospect of billions of dollars of support for the US economy.

The Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, gave more details on what the proposed agreement would offer US workers.

Vast swathes of the US are in lockdown as the authorities try to counter the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Trump told a briefing on Wednesday he thought Easter - the second weekend in April - presented a "beautiful timeline" to be able to reopen some sections of the country.

But with the number of infections surging, many are fearful the economy could remain stagnant for weeks to come, and there's been increasing pressure on politicians to agree an aid package.

Washington correspondent Simon Marks speaks to Corin Dann.

Prince Charles has the Coronavirus, and is displaying mild symptoms.

The heir to the throne is in isolation at Birkhall in Aberdeen, Scotland with his wife, Camilla, who has tested negative.

Their official residence, Clarence House, says it's not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus, "owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks".

Royal Commentator Dickie Arbiter speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Hospitals say they have been preparing for weeks for a rise in Coronavirus cases and are well placed to treat victims.

Dan Coward chairs the district health board's group of chief operating officers.

He told Corin Dann anyone needing treatment for serious non-Covid-19 injuries or illnesses "absolutely" will still get the care they need.

But as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, most people in hospital now will not be able to have visitors.