New Zealand has marked 100 days with no local transmissions nor recorded cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) but health officials continue to practice strict measures stating that there’s no room for complacency.
To date, only 23 active cases remain which were all detected at the border prior to entering the country. These individuals are being held within New Zealand’s isolation facilities.
“Achieving 100 days without community transmission is a significant milestone, however, as we all know, we can’t afford to be complacent,” said Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s director-general of health as per reports from Agence France Presse.
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New Zealand has gained international recognition for its effective handling of the coronavirus disease since the country closed its borders as of March 19.
“We have seen overseas how quickly the virus can re-emerge and spread in places where it was previously under control, and we need to be prepared to quickly stamp out any future cases in New Zealand,” said Bloomfield.
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The World Health Organization also recognized the efforts of New Zealand stating that the country “successfully eliminated community transmission” and should serve as an example for others.
Today, New Zealanders are enjoying a near-normal, pre-coronavirus lifestyle with no social distancing and spectators allowed at sports and cultural events, but with the border strictly controlled and all arrivals required to spend 14 days in quarantine.
