New Zealand confirms no new case of COVID-19 for a week

WELLINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand reported no new case of COVID-19 on Friday for the seventh day in a row, with the combined total of confirmed and probable cases staying at 1,504, according to the Ministry of Health.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains at 1,154, which is the number reported to the World Health Organization, said a ministry statement.

The number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 reached 1,481, with one case remaining active, it said.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths in New Zealand is now 22, after adding the death of Auckland rest home resident Eileen Hunter who was in her 90s, it said.

The NZ COVID Tracer app has now recorded 446,000 registrations. That's an increase of 10,000 on Thursday, the ministry said.

A change to the size of social gatherings that are permitted under Alert Level 2 came into effect on Friday.

Groups of up to 100 people are now permitted. This includes events at home and outside of home, and gatherings like religious services, parties, weddings and funerals.

Healthy people in the community are not required to wear a face mask for protection from COVID-19 in New Zealand, according to the ministry.

"We encourage them to use their face mask safely, as there are risks associated with incorrect use of all types of face masks," it said. Enditem

[ Editor: WPY ]