NZ records only one new case as country set to end highest restriction level alert

New Zealand's health ministry said on Monday only one new confirmed case of COVID-19 was recorded, in addition to another four new probable cases.

The combined total of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is now 1,469, and 80 percent or 1,180 of them have recovered, the ministry said.

The country has registered a total of 19 coronavirus deaths so far.

New Zealand is set to end its toughest lockdown level at midnight on Monday, which will see New Zealanders able to go fishing, surfing, hunting and hiking this week. Also, around 400,000 people will return to work after the country shifts from its highest alert level of 4 to 3.

New Zealand's 5 million residents were subjected to one of the strictest lockdowns in the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with offices, schools, bars and restaurants, including take away and delivery services closed since March 26.

While on the last day of strict lockdown, the government has urged people not to "slacken off the effort."

Speaking on Monday, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised the progress the country has made, at the same time issuing a caution on reopening and getting back to normal life.

"There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand," Ardern declared. "We have won that battle."

"I will not risk the gains we've made in the health of New Zealanders. So if we need to remain at Level Three, we will."

(With input from agencies)