Aug 10, 2020: As New Zealand has completed 100 days without community transmission of Covid-19, world leaders are among those spreading their congratulations. New Zealand on Sunday marked 100 days with no recorded cases of the coronavirus in the community but health officials warned there was no room for complacency. There are still 23 active cases but all were detected at the border when entering the country and are being held in managed isolation facilities.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern also applauded the nation's achievement: “One hundred days is a milestone to mark but, again, we still need to be vigilant regardless.” On Sunday, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted his support for New Zealand's success. "Fiji and New Zealand are now among the only countries on Earth to go 100 days or more without cases of #COVID19 in our communities. Well done to the New Zealand Government and people –– your friends in Fiji have all been rooting for your success," he wrote. Meanwhile, US epidemologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding said he was "jealous" of New Zealand's achievement. The Guardian deemed New Zealand "one of the safest places in the world". The New York Time said 100 days without community transmission was "a milestone as the pandemic continues to devastate countries across the world".

New Zealand, with a population of five million, has won widespread praise for its effective handling of the coronavirus since closing its borders on March 19. The World Health Organization has hailed the country as an example to others for having "successfully eliminated community transmission". Since the first patient was diagnosed in February, there have been 1,219 confirmed cases of the virus in New Zealand with the last case of community transmission recorded on May 1. As a result, New Zealanders are enjoying a near-normal, pre-coronavirus lifestyle with no social distancing and spectators allowed at sports and cultural events, but with the border strictly controlled and all arrivals required to spend 14 days in quarantine.

The government has maintained the prospect of a second wave remains a possibility and is pushing for all households to keep emergency supply kits including masks.