New Zealand has declared itself coronavirus-free after health officials said the final person known to have been infected had recovered.
The news swiftly led to the country’s government announcing all forms of public events can again take place without limitations or social distancing guidelines.
Border restrictions for non-citizens and non-residents, however, will remain in place.
It has been 17 days since the last new case was reported in New Zealand, and Monday also marked the first time since late February there had been no active cases.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “We are confident we have eliminated transmission of the virus in New Zealand for now, but elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort.
“We almost certainly will see cases here again … and that is not a sign that we have failed, it is a reality of this virus.
“But if and when that occurs we have to make sure and we are, that we are prepared.”
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said it was a pleasing development.
“Having no active cases for the first time since February 28 is certainly a significant mark in our journey but as we’ve previously said, ongoing vigilance against Covid-19 will continue to be essential,” Dr Bloomfield said.
The New Zealand government responded by removing all restrictions on public gatherings, meaning, among other factors, sport stadiums will again be able to hold fans without regulations about social distancing.
Experts say a number of factors have helped the nation of five million wipe out the disease.
Its isolated location in the South Pacific gave it vital time to see how outbreaks spread in other countries, and it imposed a strict lockdown and closed its borders.
Just over 1,500 people contracted the virus in New Zealand, including 22 who died.
Associated Press contributed to this article
