By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

On Monday, the New Zealand Ministry of Health announced there were no active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Image/Robert Herriman

The Ministry has been notified by Auckland Regional Public Health that its remaining case has been symptom free for 48 hours and is regarded as recovered. The person has now been released from isolation.

Their case had been linked to the St Margaret’s Hospital & Rest Home cluster in Auckland.

“This is really good news for the person concerned, and it’s also something the rest of New Zealand can take heart from,” says Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

“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.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand would move to its lowest restrictions – alert level 1-at midnight on June 9.

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Health officials said New Zealanders are today enjoying their first day of Level 1 and there’s good news that the numbers remain unchanged.

Addressing the move to Level 1, the Director-General of Health has spoken to topics of importance.

“Foremost of these is for me to stress the ongoing importance of the border at Level 1 and how it must function as our “safety net” in protecting New Zealand in the global environment,” says Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

“With this priority, tighter controls are being placed on those coming into New Zealand at the border – controls we are making to keep New Zealanders safe from COVID-19 entering the country.

The total number of confirmed cases remains at 1,154, while the combined total of confirmed and probable cases remains at 1,504. 22 deaths have been reported.