Morning Report

Laboratories testing for Covid-19 are struggling to cope with demand.

So far 6000 people have been tested - but only those who have travelled overseas or have had close contact with probable or confirmed cases qualify for a test.

Those carrying out the tests say in an ideal world everyone would be tested, but the materials needed to conduct the tests are in worldwide demand.

Microbiologist Dr Joshua Freeman speaks to Corin Dann.

Cabinet ministers will meet in Wellington this morning, but half will be taking part by video link so they can keep a safe distance from each other.

The situation is so fluid ministers will have a lot to consider, including the debate about whether to raise the alert level.

Plans are also well under way about how Parliament will operate in the coming weeks, or possibly months.

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The Government has set up a taskforce to coordinate its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The outgoing head of police Mike Bush has been appointed to lead the team which will encompass "all pillars" of the Government.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

An Auckland rest home remains in lockdown this morning after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

All residents at Ellerslie Gardens Lifecare have been isolated until one o'clock tomorrow afternoon as a precaution.

The carer worked two night shifts, the week after returning from overseas travel on March the 10th - before new self-isolation rules were introduced on March 16th.

They had no symptoms at the time of working.

Norah Barlow is chief executive of Heritage Lifecare Group.

She speaks to Corin Dann.

The Cabinet is meeting this morning to discuss the next steps in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

It's being urged by leading doctors to raise the national alert level to the highest status.

They've launched a petition insisting the Government jump straight from the current level two to the maximum level four - a virtual near total shutdown of the country.

Epidemiolgist Michael Baker speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Four Auckland schools are closed today because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Glendowie College will be closed for 72 hours after one of its students was found to have Covid-19, as will Marist College for Girls after a staff member tested positive. Marist Primary School, which is next to Marist College, is also closing as a precaution.

Parents of primary school students at Randwick Park School in south Auckland received a message yesterday saying that a pupil there is "highly likely" to be infected.

It's closed today and will remain so for at least three days if the test result is positive.

A fifth school, Mount Roskill Grammar, is considering its options after a parent was found to have the virus.

Secondary Principals Association president Deidre Shea told RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen schools have been preparing for shutdowns for some time.

Business New Zealand estimates at least 10 percent of the county's workforce will start working from home from today because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government is encouraging anyone who can work remotely to do so.

Andrew McRae reports.

Tokyo 2020 organizers have started drafting possible alternatives to holding the Olympics in July and August, in contrast to the Japanese government's stance that postponement is not an option.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Italy's lockdown has intensified - all non-essential businesses will close from Monday, after the death toll surged by almost 800 in 24 hours.

The overall death toll has risen to almost 5,000 over a third of the world's total Italy has intensified roadblocks in all major cities with soldiers and police officers checking on anyone that has left their homes to ensure they have a valid motivation.

Checks are also been carried out in parks.

Rome correspondent Josephine McKenna speaks to Susie Ferguson.