New Zealand PM announces removal of virus restrictions

New Zealand will remove remaining coronavirus restrictions from Auckland on Monday after an outbreak discovered in the largest city fades away. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said more than 72,000 tests had found no evidence the virus was spreading in the community.  Auckland was placed into a three-day lockdown this month after a mother, father and daughter tested positive. Another five contacts later tested positive. After the lockdown ended, Auckland continued to have restrictions including on gatherings.

The source of the outbreak remains unclear, although authorities are continuing to investigate whether there is a connection between infected airline passengers and the mother, who works at a company which cleans laundry for airlines.  New Zealand has an elimination strategy with the coronavirus and has managed to stamp out its spread. The country's frontline health workers began getting vaccinated last week. 

(Image Credits: AP)