WELLINGTON (NEW ZEALAND) – In a bid to raise the profile of a much-needed health measure at the time of the pandemic, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Friday she is making her own face mask. Face coverings will become mandatory across the country next week.
The country, which has a population of five million, had initially succeeded in containing the spread of the virus due to the tough lockdown curbs. Following a fresh outbreak in Auckland, the largest city in the country, New Zealand introduced fresh restrictions.
In a Facebook post, Ardern said she was taking matters into her own hands before face coverings become mandatory on public transport.
“One of the things we talked about was face coverings, and how to make your own at home,” she said in a Facebook post.
“I had a go at making one,” she added. Her post has a photograph of some fabric, a pair of scissors and two hair ties.
A follow-up video later showed the prime minister crafting a red mask, which is the colour of her Labour Party.
“That’s my first time crafting,” she said. “I’m going to pull out my glitter gun later.”
Although 150 people have been tested positive in Auckland so far, the number of new cases has come down to single digits this week.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.