100 days without community transmission.
New Zealand, one of few countries that is perceived as having successfully handled the Covid-19 crisis, has marked its hundredth day without community transmission.
The landmark comes at a time when many countries are experiencing resurgence of the virus as a result of attempts to reopen society. The most recent polling shows that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who has received much of the credit for her country’s approach, is at 61% in the polls to be re-elected following New Zealand’s upcoming election.
Speaking at her first rally ahead of the election, Ardern said: “When people ask, is this a Covid election, my answer is yes, it is… But it has been our new reality, and one that the team of 5 million have made work in the most extraordinary way.”
Since March, New Zealand recorded just 1,569 cases of the virus, suffering 22 deaths. It’s population of 4.8million is similar to that of the Republic of Ireland.
Numbers had been consistently falling throughout Ireland since the end of May, but last week marked a dire change in fortunes following several major clusters in meat processing factories, and cramped, shared accommodation. As a result, three counties – Laois, Offaly and Kildare – were put on lockdown for two weeks.
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