WELLINGTON – New Zealand reported no new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, marking a significant moment that indicated the country’s bold strategy of trying to eliminate the virus was working.
It was the first time since the outbreak took hold in mid-March that the country has reported zero new cases. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the figures were clearly encouraging and a cause for celebration but it won’t be known until later this week if new cases continue to pop up in the community.
New Zealand closed its borders and imposed a strict monthlong lockdown after the outbreak began. The lockdown rules were eased a little last week to help reopen the economy, but many restrictions remain in place.