Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New Zealand Discovers First Cases In 102 Days, Imposes Travel Ban
ABC News: Coronavirus Breaks Out Again In New Zealand After 102 Days
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Tuesday that authorities have found four cases of the coronavirus in one Auckland household from an unknown source, the first reported cases of local transmission in the country in 102 days.Ardern said Auckland, the nation's largest city, will be moved to Alert Level 3 from midday Wednesday through midnight Friday, meaning that people will be asked to stay at home, while bars and many other businesses will be closed. (Perry, 8/11)
The Washington Post: New Zealand Health Director Takes A Covid Test Live On Television
Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s director general of health, took his first coronavirus test live on national television Tuesday in a bid to encourage others anxious about the procedure not to be fearful of the nasal swab some have deemed painful and invasive. Before the test, Bloomfield blows his nose before being approached by a doctor wearing a mask, gloves and full body protective wear. As she inserts the swab deep into the back of the nose and rotates it, Bloomfield doesn’t flinch, keeping his head tilted and his hands crossed in his lap. (Noori Farzan and Hassan, 8/11)
The Hill: Guam's Governor Tests Positive For COVID-19
Guam’s governor, Lou Leon Guerrero (D), said she tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and will be isolating at home. “Earlier this evening, I received a positive test result for COVID-19. I have been in home quarantine since this weekend and will be isolated pending my recovery. I remain in good health despite exhibiting moderate symptoms of the virus,” the governor tweeted. (Klar, 8/10)
Also —
AP: South Africa's Poor Scramble For Anti-HIV Drugs Amid Virus
When her regular clinic ran out of her government-funded HIV medications amid South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown, Sibongile Zulu panicked. A local pharmacy had the drugs for $48, but she didn’t have the money after being laid off from her office job in the shutdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Desperate for the lifesaving medication, the single mother of four called a friend -- a nurse with a local charity helping people with HIV, the Sister Mura Foundation. She’s one of the lucky ones: Since April, the foundation has provided Zulu with the drugs, purchased locally. (Janssen and Meldrum, 8/11)
