Covid-19: Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt tests positive

Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt and NZ Film Commission head Annabelle Sheehan have both tested positive for Covid-19.

Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said this afternoon there were now 205 confirmed and probable cases, and there had been a total of 9780 tests undertaken so far.

The country is now in a State of Emergency.

In a statement the Human Rights Commission said Professor Hunt returned from a business trip to London and Geneva arriving in Wellington on Sunday 15 March and immediately went into self-isolation.

NZ Film Commission chief executive Annabelle Sheehan Photo: Provided

During the week he began experiencing symptoms and was tested for the virus on Friday, receiving a positive test result on Sunday.

Professor Hunt said he was reported on his health status because "there was nothing to hide".

"There is no stigma. I work from home and enjoy solitary walks. I feel solidarity with past, present and future patients.

"These are extremely dangerous times especially for the most vulnerable members of our communities, such as older people, disabled people, those with underlying health problems, and those living in poverty. History demonstrates the severe and unequal impact of introduced disease on tangata whenua.

Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton

Professor Hunt is recovering at home in Wellington.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Film Commission has also confirm that chief executive Annabelle Sheehan has been diagnosed with the virus.

Her symptoms are currently minor, and she is recovering in isolation at home in Wellington.

"During the three-day period in which Annabelle was working in the Wellington office, asymptomatic but infectious, the NZFC was trialling its virtual-meeting capability. Therefore, there was reduced staff contact, and no physical contact with people in the film industry or with other government officials, and none with Ministers or Parliamentary staff. Other professional and personal contacts have been informed."

If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)