National party politicians need to 'resist the urge to scaremonger'

National party politicians need to avoid scaremongering and point scoring and instead work together to help minimise the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

That is the message from about 50 infectious disease experts, public health scientists and medical professionals who signed off on an editorial published in the New Zealand Medical Journal on Friday.

University of Otago, Christchurch infectious disease expert Professor David Murdoch said it was a time for national unity. The editorial was not about curtailing discussions, but making sure they were evidence-based and took place in the right forums, he said.

"Although it is election year, we insist politicians resist the urge to scaremonger in an attempt to score points in the media," the editorial says.

"Instead, they should use their moments in the spotlight to amplify messages of our health system's preparedness and how New Zealanders can individually make a difference at this critical time.

"A cross-party parliamentary task force on Covid-19 could be one way to ensure this cooperation happens in a timely and productive fashion."

The editorial follows widely condemned comments from National MP David Bennett, who said in a radio interview that people should be panic-buying. He later apologised and National Party leader Simon Bridges has said the comments were wrong and unhelpful.

Murdoch said the editorial was not prompted by any specific incident, but he and his colleagues were concerned about the potential for politicking in the lead up to the election.

The editorial says the coronavirus outbreak is a genuine health emergency and infectious disease, and public health and primary care experts are advising the Government on the best way to deal with the threat.

University of Otago, Christchurch infectious disease expert Professor David Murdoch is one of about 50 specialists to sign off on the editorial.

"Politicking and criticising these professionals who are working hard on behalf of the country does nothing more than undermine them and public confidence in our system.

"We need our politicians to avoid cluttering the media landscape with political messages and undermining the life-saving information coming from the Government, health professionals, scientists, and public health officials," it says.

Health Minister David Clark said he had been in contact with National health spokesman Michael Woodhouse several times since late January to facilitate briefings for him on coronavirus and the measures the Government and health services were taking.

Health Minister David Clark says the Government is open to constructive engagement from the opposition on its coronavirus response.

On Wednesday, Clark said he arranged a briefing for all MPs from Ministry of Health director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Bloomfield talked about the role MPs could play in sharing trustworthy information and resources.

"The Government remains open to constructive engagement from the Opposition on our COVID-19 response."

Bridges said there were a lot of areas where the opposition would agree with the Government and would support them.

"The outbreak of coronavirus is serious and the opposition has a duty to New Zealanders to assess the way it's being handled and put forward our positive proposals if the coalition is not acting in the best interests of New Zealanders."

National Party leader Simon Bridges says there are lots of areas where the Opposition will agree with and support the Government. However, National will also put forward "negative proposals" if it thinks the Government is not acting in the best interests of New Zealanders.

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