Wellington: New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed as Covid postive after undergoing an antigen test on Friday following the onset of symptoms. She is in quarantine until May 21st.

Days after announcing the relaxation of the country’s tight border controls, Ardern developed symptoms on Friday evening and turned positive on Saturday morning, her office said in a statement. Her symptoms are said to be moderate.

Her partner, Clarke Gayford, tested positive last Sunday. She will have to isolate until the morning of Saturday 21 May and will not be in parliament in the coming week to attend the emissions reduction plan on Monday and budget on Thursday.

Ardern will carry out some duties remotely but her deputy, Grant Robertson, will take the regular post-cabinet press conference on Monday.

“This is a milestone week for the government and I’m gutted I can’t be there for it,” Ardern said.

“Our emissions reduction plan sets the path to achieve our carbon zero goal and the budget addresses the long-term future and security of New Zealand’s health system.

“But as I said earlier in the week, isolating with Covid-19 is a very Kiwi experience this year and my family is no different.”