Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): I wish to make a ministerial statement in accordance with Standing Order 355 about the novel coronavirus. The novel coronavirus, recently named as COVID-19, was first reported to the World Health Organization on 31 December. As members will be aware, since that time there have been more than 43,000 cases and over 1,000 deaths—the vast majority within China. In New Zealand, we have not yet had a confirmed case but we are taking the threat very seriously and we are well prepared. Our comprehensive health response began on 6 January when the Ministry of Health first sent out advice to DHBs and primary care about the virus. Arrangements were quickly made to ensure that health advice was being provided at the border in a range of languages, including traditional and simplified Chinese.