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New Zealand reports new coronavirus cases in single digits

New Zealand reports new coronavirus cases in single digits

Coronavirus in New Zealand

New Zealand claimed it has "eliminated" the novel coronavirus as the country reported new cases in single figures.

At a news conference, New Zealand reported one new case, four "probable cases" and one new death.

New Zealand is set to ease restrictions from "level four" to "level three" -- that goes into effect at the start of Tuesday. It will allow businesses to partially reopen with some restrictions, including requiring physical distancing of two meters outside of home.

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Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand's Director General of Health, said their goal was elimination which means getting down to a small number of cases so that the country is able to stamp out any cases and any outbreak that might come out.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the coronavirus was "currently" eliminated but that the country needed to remain alert and could still expect to continue to see new cases.

On March 23 -- when there were 102 confirmed cases, and no deaths -- New Zealand entered "level 3" lockdown. Non-essential businesses were closed, events and gatherings canceled and schools closed to all children except those of essential workers.

New Zealand moved to the strictest level 4 lockdown at midnight on March 25, with people told not to leave home except for essential exercise near the home, while maintaining 2 meter distancing.

New Zealand also brought in widespread testing, and on April 9, despite a decline in cases, tightened border restrictions so that all citizens and permanent residents arriving in New Zealand were required to spend two weeks quarantined in an approved facility rather than at home.