Information that gives hope: New Zealand reached the hundred-day mark on Sunday without any new coronavirus contamination.
The country, which has five million inhabitants, has recorded 1,219 confirmed cases of coronavirus since February, and the last diagnosed was on May 1. Nevertheless, the health authorities warned that it was out of the question to let down the guard.
“Reaching 100 days without transmission in the population is an important step, however, as we all know, we cannot afford the slightest neglect,” said Director of Health Ashley Bloomfield. “We have seen abroad how quickly the virus can reappear and spread to places where it was previously under control,” he added.
There are currently 23 cases of people carrying Covid-19 in the Oceania archipelago but they have all been detected at the border, on entering the country, and are in quarantine.
New Zealand closed its borders on March 19. They are now strictly controlled: only New Zealand nationals and their families are allowed to enter the archipelago, with a few exceptions such as people with professional or humanitarian reasons. Everyone is subject to a fortnight upon arrival in the territory.
Exemplary country according to the WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has judged the country to be exemplary for having "successfully eliminated transmission in the population". New Zealanders have returned to an almost normal way of life, without social distancing and with an authorized audience at sporting and cultural events.
In the event of a second wave, the government has requested that all households keep emergency supply kits that include masks.
Newsletter - Most of the news
Every morning, the news seen by Le ParisienI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to enable you to receive our news and commercial offers. Learn more
VIDEO. Coronavirus: New Zealand Prime Minister informs her country from her sofa