New Zealand has confirmed no active COVID-19 cases, said PM Jacinda Ardern.

According to her, public and private events can take place without restrictions, retail trade and the hotel sector can function normally, and all public transport can resume work.

No new cases have been reported in the country over the past 17 days.

Health officials warn that new cases may be imported into a country that has closed its borders to all but citizens and residents, with some exceptions.

Experts say a number of factors have helped a country with a population of 5 million put an end to the disease, including its isolated location, along with the guidance from the PM, who introduced stringent measures at the very beginning of the outbreak. 

New Zealand has confirmed a total of 1,500 COVID-19 cases, while the death toll is 22.