David Seymour has criticised Jacinda Ardern for breaking COVID-19 social distancing rules.

DAVID UNWIN/STUFF

(Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern grabs a selfie with fans at Massey University in Palmerston North on Thursday.)

The New Zealand Prime Minister was photographed on Thursday taking a selfie with at least a dozen people in close proximity to her.

The Act Party leader said “hospitality businesses are going broke at Alert Level 2 because of single server and social distancing rules.”

“Meanwhile, the person responsible for the rules is breaking them. Small business owners will be incredibly angry.”

David Seymour said “we’re glad Jacinda Ardern is finally taking a balanced approach to Covid-19. But it’s a pity she’s balancing it with her re-election campaign and not the needs of small businesses.”

Alert level 2 rules

• Keep a 2 metre distance in public. Take extra care if you interact with people you don’t know as it won’t be easy to do contact tracing if needed. This means making the space when you’re in places like playgrounds, parks, retail businesses, shopping malls or walking along the street.

• Keep 1 metre physical distance in ‘controlled environments’ where contact tracing and other public health measures are possible. This includes places like cafes, church groups, gatherings, restaurants and gyms.

You can socialise at Alert Level 2, but keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. This is easier if you socialise with people you know well.