New Zealand’s health minister resigns over handling of COVID-19
New Zealand Health Minister David Clark, center, flanked by Cabinet colleagues Grant Robertson, right, and Kris Faafoi addresses a press conference where he announced his resignation at parliament in Wellington, New Zealand Thursday, July 2, 2020. Clark resigned Thursday following a series of personal blunders during the coronavirus pandemic. (Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald via AP)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:52 AM PT — Thursday, July 2, 2020
New Zealand’s top health official is stepping down from his post over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Minister David Clark announced his resignation during a press conference early Thursday.
His departure follows a series of security lapses at facilities where the coronavirus was detected just days after the virus was said to be eliminated from the country. In a statement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she approved of the resignation.
Clark also faced public scrutiny earlier this year after he defied lockdown measures by taking a beach trip with his family. He made the following statement regarding his departure from the Health Ministry:
“This morning I have formally tendered my resignation as Minister of Health, which has been accepted by the Prime Minister. Serving as Minister of Health has been an absolute privilege, particularly through these extraordinary last few months. It’s no secret that health is a challenging portfolio. I have given it my all, but it has become increasingly clear to me that my continuation in the role is distracting from the government’s overall response to COVID-19 and the global pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ardern has appointed the country’s education minister to fill Clark’s position until a permanent replacement can be determined.