Kiwi dying of brain cancer can’t get into NZ’s managed isolation, but The Wiggles can

On the same day The Wiggles were given a space in New Zealand’s managed isolation program, Yvonne Ponting was told there was no emergency spot for her dying brother to come home to see his family.

Trev Ponting, 46, was diagnosed with brain tumours at the end of 2019 and was treated in Japan where he lives with his wife, Aiko, and two children, 3-year-old Mia and 18-month-old Toa.

New Zealander Trev Ponting can’t get home to his family despite being diagnosed with brain cancer. Credit:Stuff.co.nz

Ponting left hospital as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world and has remained in Japan to undergo chemotherapy.

Since a re-emergence of tumours towards the end of 2020 his condition has worsened, affecting his mobility and short-term memory. His doctor estimates he has months to live according to Stuff.co.nz.

Stuff.co.nz

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Emirates, Etihad flights for Australians in disarray after Britain-UAE border closure

London: Stranded Australians have been dealt a fresh blow after an abrupt decision by Britain to close its border to the United Arab Emirates caused two major airlines to axe all flights to the key transit hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Treasurer Tim Pallas on Friday.Credit:Penny Stephens

He also told The Age that he expected Victoria’s budget deficits this financial year and next year to be substantially less than the $23 billion and $13 billion, respectively, forecast in November.

Mr Pallas did not provide figures for the revised deficits, which will be revealed in the next state budget in May.

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‘Dangerous signal’: Europe gives itself power to block vaccine shipments to Australia

London: European leaders have given themselves sweeping powers to block crucial coronavirus vaccine shipments to Australia in a ploy condemned as unethical, dangerous and selfish.



The new export restrictions, unveiled overnight Australian-time, grant the European Union final say on whether jabs produced on the continent by pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and AstraZeneca can leave the territory.

The emergency scheme is the latest escalation in a brawl between the EU and two drug firms, which recently warned the number of doses available to Europe over the coming months would be slashed because of production problems.

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Good morning all!

G’day everyone and welcome to today’s COVID-19 live blog. I’m Roy Ward and I’ll be with you until later this afternoon as we go through the major developments of the day.

As always please feel free to leave a comment on the blog or shoot me a tweet directly at @rpjward on Twitter.

I hope you enjoy today coverage and the day to come.

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