Morning Report

People living in Los Angeles and New York are facing widespread closures as the cities attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Bars, cinemas, clubs and gyms have been ordered to close, and restaurants are limited to takeaway and delivery only. New York's public schools are also shut, sending more than a million children home.

New York correspondent William Denselow speaks to Philippa Tolley.

The Warriors chief executive Cameron George says rugby league's NRL is in a very different position to football's A-League as self-isolation periods in New Zealand and Australia kick-in.

Māori justice advocates are seeking an urgent Tribunal hearing on the Police Armed Response Teams. 

Special police patrol vehicles carrying armed officers have been patrolling Counties Manukau, Waikato and Canterbury as part of a six-month trial to cut down response times to serious incidents involving firearms.

But data released under the Official Information Act shows the teams were deployed 75 times a day in the first five weeks. That's 50 times the rate that Armed Offenders Squads were called out last year.

The application says the Crown has breached Te Tiriti o Waitangi by failing to work in partnership with, consult, or even inform Māori about the trial. 

Julia Whaipooti is one of the claimants.

She speaks to Philippa Tolley.

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says the church does not fear the coronavirus, and on Monday he said the church plans to continue its services.

The Prime Minister announced yesterday that gatherings of 500 or more people should be cancelled.

Tamaki speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Regional towns across New Zealand hope the multi-billion dollar relief package will help local businesses who struggling in the face of new measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

With international travellers being unable to fly to New Zealand or being told to self isolate for 14 days many businesses who rely on tourism are worried.

Jim Boult is the mayor of Queenstown and Steve Chadwick is the mayor of the Rotorua Lakes Council.

Thousands of jobs are on the line at Air New Zealand as it looks to reduce as its workforce by a third.

The airline has slashed capacity on its long haul network, suspended flights and raised the need to reduce costs due to the collapse of global travel in the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement to staff, the chief executive Greg Foran says "One of the harsh realities we find ourselves facing is that we will require fewer Air New Zealanders". 

New Zealand Airline Pilots' Association President Captain Andrew Ridling speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Parents are refusing to send their children to school and creche because of fears they will catch Covid-19.

The Health Ministry has not reported any children with the virus, though some have been isolated after family members were diagnosed with it.

Principals say it's important parents don't over react and there is not yet any community transmission of the disease. Katrina Casey, a Deputy Secretary with the Ministry of Education, speaks to Philippa Tolley.

Parents are refusing to send their children to school and creche because of fears they will catch Covid-19.

The Health Ministry has not reported any children with the virus, though some have been isolated after family members were diagnosed with it.

Principals say it's important parents don't over react and there is not yet any community transmission of the disease.

Here's RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen.

A multi-billion-dollar rescue package for business will be unveiled this afternoon, as New Zealanders are being warned to brace for an economic recession.

Covid-19 is sending shockwaves around the world as countries go into lockdown - trying to contain the spread of the fatal virus.

New Zealand will require most people arriving here to self-isolate with a stern warning - follow the rules or be detained or deported.

Mass gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned, with schools and universities working with the Education Ministry to stay open - for now.

The sharp drop off in overseas visitors and trade has hit certain industries hard, but the effects are starting to be felt throughout the whole economy.

The list of cancelled events continues to grow after the government announced a ban on all gatherings of 500 people or more, whether indoors or outdoors.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is one of the latest to cancel, joining music festivals, fairs, sporting and religious events. Schools and universities remain open.

The government is also promising to step up its enforcement of new travel restrictions.

Spot checks, fines and even deportation can be used to ensure that anyone arriving in the country - apart from those coming from the Pacific Islands - self-isolates for 14 days.

Health Minister David Clark speaks to Philippa Tolley.