Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spent some of Wednesday evening answering Kiwis' questions about the Government's COVID-19 response, addressing "misinformation" and telling one user "you don't have to stay on my Facebook Live if I am bothering you".
The Government announced on Monday night Pharmac had purchased 60,000 doses of the new antiviral drug molnupiravir that can help with treating COVID-19.
Ardern took to Facebook on Wednesday to speak more about the announcement and answer users' questions about the Government's COVID-19 plan, including the use of vaccine passes and the introduction of the traffic light system.
As New Zealand is still running contact tracing Ardern said "we know who might get COVID and we also know who our cases are". She explained if the drug is taken within three to five days of the onset of symptoms it can reduce severe illness and hospitalisation.
"By staying in contact with [those] potential cases, we will know if they become symptomatic and if they have COVID and we will be able to grab, make the most of that small window in order to make sure those who need that anti-viral, receive it."
It will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2022, Ardern said.
The Prime Minister then began addressing users' comments and questions, including about when children will start being able to get vaccinated. She also talked about "misinformation online".
"One of the things that I have picked up is this idea that we would mandate children being vaccinated, absolutely not. That has never been a position of ours.
"It's actually not been a position in New Zealand that we have seen. We have not had vaccine mandates for children. It is just not something that we do."
She responded to a comment from one user who said: "Over you!!! Over your mandate. People are suffering from your poor choices. Merry Xmas Aotearoa!".
Ardern said she was "sorry you're over me".
"But you don't have to stay on my Facebook live if I am bothering you. I am sure there are many other things you could do with your time that you find less irritating."
Another user told the Prime Minister that "hospitality is hurting big time with this whole passport thing", to which Ardern expressed surprise - given 94 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated and 88 percent are double dosed.
"I would have hoped, of course, that most patrons at hospitality would have a vaccine pass that they can show and then use. But always happy to hear feedback if there have been other issues that you have experienced. Just let us know."
The Prime Minister spoke about the transition payment, wastewater testing, and the process of reopening the international border.
One person told Ardern she was having an issue with her broadband.
"I think I am only getting a part of that question. If you want to tell me where you are and where you are having those issues, do let me know," the Prime Minister said.
