The office of New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced today, Sunday, that tests have confirmed he is infected with COVID-19 and will work remotely during his isolation, just two weeks before the general elections where the Labour Party faces difficulties. Hipkins will temporarily step back from the election campaign taking place on October 14 due to his infection. The Labour Party is declining in opinion polls, with the National Party, which is center-right, leading with percentages ranging from 31.9 to 26.5 in a recent poll.
In a statement, it was explained that "Hipkins is experiencing cold and flu symptoms that began Saturday and will isolate for five days or until he gets a negative test result," noting that he "will continue with the work he can do via Zoom." Hipkins stated on his official Facebook page: "Thank you to all the fantastic volunteers and supporters of the Labour Party who I know will continue our campaign in my absence; there is a lot at stake in this election, and I will work hard to ensure the re-election of the Labour Party when I am able to return."
