New Zealand Health Chief Quit Following Quarantine Breach
NEW ZEALAND HEALTH CHIEF QUIT – Despite their success in handling COVID-19, health officials in New Zealand still held themselves accountable.
Previously, New Zealand’s health minister, David Clark was criticized for breaking quarantine protocol. Similarly, a Filipino politician named “Koko” Pimentel also violated quarantine protocols.
However, the difference was New Zealand’s health minister went to the beach with his family. Meanwhile, Senator Pimentel, who tested positive for COVID-19, went to the hospital to accompany his pregnant wife, causing a massive dent in the hospital’s operations.
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Following this, Pimentel asked for a 72-day extension of his counter-affidavit regarding charges filed against him and heavily defended his actions. In contrast, the Health Minister immediately admitted that he was “an idiot” after breaching lockdown measures.
After the breach, Clark kept his job but was hidden from the public. As a replacement, health department director-general Ashley Bloomfield appeared with Prime Minister Adern for daily COVID-19 updates.
Due to New Zealand’s success, Bloomfield became a hit with residents, gaining thousands of fans. However, Clark criticized him for his mistakes causing hate to be directed toward him yet again.
But, Clark emphasized that he had a warm relationship with Bloomfield and praised him for his efforts. According to an article from ABS-CBN, he said that Bloomfield was “an excellent public servant”.
Thank you, Ashley and your team for the extraordinary work you have done for our country during our most serious health crisis in a century
Additionally, Clark explained that he stayed in his position because he did not want to leave in the middle of a health crisis. However, since New Zealand now had control of the virus, he said it was time for him to step down.
Now that we’re on a stable footing, it feels appropriate to let someone else take the reins,
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