WELLINGTON, March 14, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – New Zealand has cancelled a
national remembrance service to mark Sunday’s first anniversary of the
Christchurch mosque attacks because of coronavirus fears, Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern said.
“This is a pragmatic decision. We’re very saddened to cancel, but in
remembering such a terrible tragedy, we shouldn’t create the risk of further
harm being done,” Ardern said Saturday.
The service to mark the March 15 mass shooting, when a self-avowed white
supremacist opened fire at two mosques during Friday prayers, killing 51, had
been expected to attract several thousand people, with many travelling from
overseas.
Ardern said New Zealand needed to take a precautionary approach.
“The advice we received for this event is that based on people travelling
from different parts of the country and from overseas, if there was a case,
it could be difficult to trace those who had come into contact with that
person, so we are taking a cautious approach,” she said.
“March 15 now becomes an opportunity for every New Zealander to reflect in
their own way on the events of a year ago.”
Six people have so far tested positive for the new coronavirus in New
Zealand.