New Zealand Covid update: 49 new cases recorded in ‘encouraging’ downward trend

PM Jacinda Ardern says country is starting to see positive trends' in the numbers, with fewer cases infectious in the community

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New Zealand has reported 49 new cases of Covid-19 in the community - continuing an overall downward trend in cases.

That downward slope is an early but promising indication that the country's strict lockdown measures are working - not only arresting an exponential growth in cases, but also gradually pushing case numbers down and toward elimination.