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New Zealand lift all lockdown restrictions as they declare themselves coronavirus free
9 June 2020, 11:29
New Zealand has had no active cases of COVID-19 for two weeks now.
New Zealand has moved to level one of the coronavirus response system, the lowest tier of the alert approach.
This comes after the country reported no new coronaries cases for two weeks.
New Zealand has lifted all restrictions across the country, apart from one.
READ MORE: Over half of Brits have broken lockdown rules, research shows
Social distancing is no longer required and there are no limits of public gatherings, however, the boarders remain closed.
This means that schools and workplaces have reopened, weddings and funerals can take place again and public transport will return with no restrictions.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters she did "a little dance" when receiving the news.
She told the country: "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.
"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."
New Zealand went into lockdown on March 25, closing schools and businesses, with people being told to stay at home.
Just after five weeks of lockdown, the country started to allow takeaway food shops and non-essential businesses to reopen.
READ MORE: What lockdown rules are changing on June 15?
