New Zealand eliminates coronavirus after last case recovers

8 June 2020, 10:13 | Updated: 1 September 2020, 09:59

New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern said she was 'confident' that virus transmission had been eradicated
New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern said she was 'confident' that virus transmission had been eradicated. Picture: Getty
Rachael Kennedy

By Rachael Kennedy

New Zealand has lifted all restrictions on public events and social distancing guidelines after it was confirmed the country had eliminated coronavirus.

Health officials in the South Pacific nation said on Monday that the only person known to still have COVID-19 on its shores had now recovered - meaning the country has eradicated the disease.

It comes 17 days since the final case was recorded in New Zealand, and is the first time since February where there have been no cases of the virus at all.

READ MORE: Sunday trading laws 'could be suspended for a year'

READ MORE: No new coronavirus deaths recorded in Scotland or Northern Ireland

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was "confident" that transmission of the virus had been eliminated "for now", but warned that it would be a continued effort to keep it away from NZ soil.

Speaking at a press conference, she said: "We almost certainly will see cases here again... and that is not a sign that we have failed, it is a reality of this virus.

"But if and when that occurs, we have to make sure - and we are - that we are prepared."

Priti Patel tells parliament 14-day coronavirus quarantine 'essential' on UK arrivals

In total, a little over 1,500 people have been infected with COVID-19 in New Zealand, while 22 people have lost their lives.

The nation with a population of five million people has been regularly looked to as a good example of how the disease is brought under control.

Experts have pointed to a number of factors that may have helped, including New Zealand's remote location in the South Pacific, giving it time to analyse how outbreaks affected other countries.

READ MORE: Two-week 'ineffective' quarantine for UK arrivals comes into force

READ MORE: Coronavirus quarantine could put 25,000 jobs at risk, Heathrow boss warns

Mrs Ardern also acted fast in her response by imposing strict lockdown measures early on as the first infections reached the country.

She then closed the borders to all travellers except for citizens, residents, and a few exceptions.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the milestone was a pleasing one, but warned that vigilance would be needed in the weeks and months ahead.

He said: "Having no active cases for the first time since February 28 is certainly a significant mark in our journey, but as we've previously said, ongoing vigilance against COVID-19 will continue to be essential."

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Breaking
The incident happened on Santa Monica Boulevard, near Hollywood

Several critical as more than 20 injured after vehicle 'ploughs into crowd in Los Angeles'

Patrick Howlett, 58

Man who sent £56,000 to Philippines for livestreamed sexual abuse of children jailed for 30 years

The explosion happened at Biscailuz Center Academy Training.

At least three people killed in 'horrific incident' at Los Angeles sheriff training facility

Russian President Vladimir Putin

UK sanctions Russian spies at heart of Putin's regime over ‘campaign to destabilise Europe’

x

Daredevil Felix Baumgartner ‘died in mid air’ before crashing into hotel worker in front of horrified witnesses

Shortly before his death, the sporting sensation posted a video to social media showing himself paragliding in circles over a field.

Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash in Italy

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

Russia could launch 'preventative strikes' on the West if 'necessary', Putin ally warns

Wounded Palestinians, including Father Jebrail Romanelli, are brought to Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital after an Israeli attack targeted the Holy Family Church in eastern Gaza City.

Two worshippers dead after Israeli tank fire hits church in Gaza as Pope Leo calls for immediate ceasefire

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is thought to have been suffering from mental health problems

Air India captain 'cut off' fuel before fatal crash, US officials say

Wilawan Emsawat has been arrested for allegedly having sex with monks and blackmailing them

Thai woman filmed herself having sex with Buddhist monks and blackmailed them

A few houses sit on a grassy area with mountain ranges in the background

Tsunami warning issued following 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Alaska

Shocking footage showed the stage at the iconic European dance festival in Boom, Belgium, engulfed in flames on Wednesday afternoon

Tomorrowland main stage destroyed by fire hours before festival start

As the news reporter is presenting - a huge explosion is captured erupting in the background.

Moment Israeli airstrike blasts Syria military HQ on live TV as news reporter flees in terror

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israel warns 'painful blows will come' as it ramps up strikes on Syria and sends more troops to the border

A volcano in Iceland has erupted, leading to evacuations.

Iceland volcano erupts for 12th time since 2021, prompting evacuations from iconic Blue Lagoon spa

A man and a woman smile at the camera

Ghislaine Maxwell could use ‘government misconduct’ to challenge imprisonment