New Zealand has marked 100 days without recording a single domestic transmission of coronavirus.
New coronavirus, Since the global pandemic started earlier this year, New Zealand has been held up as an example of how to deal with the devastating disease, with 1,219 infections and 22 deaths recorded from Covid-19.
But despite the numbers of domestic cases having virtually disappeared, the country’s leading scientist has urged caution.
Speaking about the milestone, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield warned that as shown in other countries, the disease can return at any moment.
In a statement, he said: “Achieving 100 days without community transmission is a significant milestone, however, as we all know, we can’t afford to be complacent.
“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.”
This comes as neighbouring Australia recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began after 17 people tragically died in Victoria between Saturday (8 August) and Sunday (9 August).
With cases on the rise in Oz, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Australians would not be able to visit the country at least until the end of the year.
Ms Ardern told Newshub: “It’s clear to us that opening up with Realm countries, keeping in mind they are New Zealand passport holders, will come before any opening up with Australia.”
“[Officials are] doing that. They’re working with the airlines. That’s going to take several weeks. Then we’ll get a report back on exact dates when we’ll be able to start the rollout of the reopening.”
She refused to zero in on a date when that could be expected.
Following her handling of the pandemic, Ms Ardern’s popularity had rocketed, with New Zealanders praising her leadership.
A new poll from Newshub recently listed her as the most popular Kiwi leader in a century.
The survey had a look at the preferred prime minister and Ms Ardern’s rating was boosted by 20.8 points, which is the largest number since official polls were conducted.
Her Labour government has soared in popularity to 56.5 percent, leaving the Nationals – New Zealand’s biggest political party in parliament – in tatters at 30.6 percent, down to 12.7 points.
Ms Ardern has told Newshub that it’s a ‘privileged opportunity to be leading at this time’.
This news was originally published at ladbible.com