New Zealand lifts all Covid restrictions, proclaiming the country infection free

New Zealand has lifted practically the entirety of its coronavirus restrictions subsequent to revealing no active cases in the nation.

At 12 PM local time (12:00 GMT), all of New Zealand moved to level one, the most minimal of a four-level alert framework.

Under new rules, social distancing is not required and there are no limits on public gatherings, but borders remain closed to foreigners.

New Zealand has reported no new Covid-19 cases for more than two weeks.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters she did “a little dance” when she was told the country no longer had any active virus cases.

“While we’re in a safer, stronger position, there’s still no easy path back to pre-Covid life, but the determination and focus we have had on our health response will now be vested in our economic rebuild,” Ms Ardern said.

“While the job is not done, there is no denying this is a milestone. So can I finish with a very simple, ‘Thank you, New Zealand’.”

‘A sustained effort’

New Zealand initially went into lockdown on 25 March, setting up another four-phase alert framework and going in at level four, where most organizations were closed, schools shut and individuals were advised to remain at home.

After more than five weeks, it moved to level three in April, allowing takeaway food shops and some non-essential businesses to re-open.

As the number of community cases continued to decline, the country moved into level two in mid-May.

The move to level one comes ahead of time – the government had originally planned to make the move on 22 June, but it was brought forward after no new cases were reported for 17 days.

Under the new standards, all schools and work environments can open. Weddings, burial services and open vehicle can continue with no limitations. Social separating is not, at this point required yet will be empowered.

The country’s borders remain closed to foreign travellers, and rules remain in place requiring New Zealanders arriving from abroad to go through a 14-day period of isolation or quarantine.

Ms Ardern warned that the country would “certainly see cases again”, adding that “elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort”.

New Zealand has recorded 1,154 confirmed cases and 22 deaths from Covid-19 since the virus arrived in late February, but has been widely praised for its handling of the crisis.

For some, the most recent declaration is a reason for festivity – however not without alert. Auckland-based lorry driver Patrick Weston told the that: “Everyone is so happy we’re finally through this, but we’re still nervous.

“I think the main thing people are worried about is the economy – so many people out of work, so many people looking for work at the same time.

“[On Tuesday] all limitations are lifted and we can carry on as ordinary. Games, music occasions would all be able to happen with no limitation of numbers. We’re despite everything being urged to social separation obviously, so we trust individuals will be sensible.

“We’re glad, however nervous about what’s to come.”

Credit: BBC.com

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