New Zealand Claims 'Elimination' of COVID-19 with Few New Cases: 'We Have Done It Together'



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Ardern called the low reports of new cases "incredible," adding that places like schools and some accepted recreation will be allowed starting May 11, but things like gyms and libraries will stay prohibited, according to CNN.

"It's been nearly five weeks living and working in ways that just two months ago would have been impossible," said Ardern. "But we did. And we have done it together."

On March 23, New Zealand had just over 100 cases of COVID-19, but Ardern decided it was time to take action, and put the entire country into one of the most restrictive lockdowns — everyone, except for essential workers, had to stay home for four weeks, only leaving for groceries or solo exercising (though swimming at the beach is prohibited). The country was also shut off to any international travel.

Experts say New Zealand’s strategy against COVID-19 may have worked better than other countries who tried to instead slow the spread and “flatten the curve.”

“Other countries have had a gradual ramp-up, but our approach is exactly the opposite,” Michael Baker, a professor of public health at the University of Otago in New Zealand, told The Washington Post earlier this month.

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