While strict border controls will remain in place, Ardern said restrictions such as social distancing and limits on public gatherings were no longer needed. "We are confident we have eliminated transmission of the virus in New Zealand for now," she said in a televised address, saying Kiwis had "united in unprecedented ways to crush the virus". SEE ALSO: New Zealand clears its last Covid-19 caseThe South Pacific nation, with a population of five million, has had 1,154 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 22 deaths. There have been no new infections for 17 days and, until Monday, just one active case for more than a week. SEE ALSO: China-Africa ties continue growing at different circumstances: AU Commission deputy chairpersonOn a broader level, Ardern said easing restrictions would help New Zealand's economy.

Source: Standard Digital June 08, 2020 07:41 UTC