New Zealand now a Covid-19 free country,lifts lockdown as last Covid 19 patient fully recovers

Prime Minister ,Jacinda Arden of New Zealand articulated that they will lift up the Covid -19 induced lockdown and citizens lifestyle will be returning to normalcy.

This development comes after health experts announced that, the last known patient of Covid-19 has fully recovered.

This clearly shows at the time of reporting, the country has no confirmed cases of the global Covid 19 pandemic.

However, Jacinda Arden reiterated that the government will not fold hands and relax ,rather it will continously stay on high alert for new imported cases.

” We have eliminated transmission of the virus for now.While the job is not done. This is a milestone,the lifting of restrictions will be effective from midnight on Monday(12:00 GMT),” said Arden.

Addressing journalists, Arden articulated that she did a little dance upon learning about the new development that the country no longer have active cases of Covid-19.

Director – General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield who was also present at the press conference with Arden said he allowed himself a broad smile.

The new development simply means that all previously imposed restrictions on shops,restaurants and offices will be abolished.

However, social distancing will cease to be mandatory although people are encouraged to adhere fully to social distancing.

The last confirmed case of Covid -19 in New Zealand was reported 17 days ago and there have been no other active cases to date.

The last active case of Covid-19 was a woman from Auckland who was discharged from hospital after full recovery.

“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, on going vigilance against Covid-19 will continue to be essential,”Bloomfield said.

However, borders will remain closed only citizens and residents, with some exceptions, are currently allowed into the country.

Health experts have expressed that New Zeland’s isolation centres might have helped a lot in mitigating the deadly Covid-19 active cases in the country.

New Zealand had strict lockdown regulations during the early stages of the outbreak.

A total of more than 1 500 people in New Zealand contracted Covid-19 and 22 lost their lives due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.