PM Chris Hipkins tests positive for Covid

From the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has tested positive for COVID-19.

He has cold and flu symptoms that began yesterday (September 30). He will be isolating for 5 days or until he returns a negative test.

He will continue with engagements he can undertake via zoom.

He was still intending to be at the release of the party's manifesto this afternoon, but confirmed in a statement at lunchtime that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.

"Bugger! After a rough night I woke up this morning feeling pretty unwell and just got this test result.

"I'm in close contact with New Zealanders on the campaign trail and I don't want to pass it on to anyone, so I'll be following the guidance and isolating for a few days or until I get a negative test.

"I'll try to keep up as many campaign engagements remotely as I can."

The Labour Party said it was working through the implications of how he will deal with the issue.

Further south, Labour's candidate for Dunedin Rachel Brooking has also tested positive for Covid-19 and will be taking a few days off campaigning.

Additional reporting from RNZ.