New Zealanders are enraged after hundreds of University of Otago students attended a large St Patrick's Day party, just metres from a school forced to close due to a confirmed case of coronavirus COVID-19.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday announced a ban on mass-gatherings of over 500 people but that didn't stop students going ahead with party plans on Tuesday.
The party was also held just metres from Logan Park High School - which will be closed until after the weekend due to a confirmed case of coronavirus.
Students continuing to party in masses amid the crisis has not sat well with Kiwis, with some taking to social media urging them to show common sense.
"Uni should stand them all down," one commenter wrote on Facebook.
"They are acting with complete stupidity," another said. "For once think about our already stretched health care workers."
Others described it as "unbelievably selfish" and "ignorant".
"Shocking, but unfortunately not unexpected," another commenter wrote.
"Shameful and stupid," said another.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Ministry of Health confirmed eight new cases of coronavirus, meaning New Zealand now has 20 cases of the illness.
"Now is the time for New Zealanders to come together, support each other and do the things that can help slow the spread of the virus," Health Minister David Clark said.
"The Government is starting this year's flu vaccination programme early, and is prioritising jabs for the New Zealanders who are most at risk."
