Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand (2020)

Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand in 2020

The timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand in 2020 details the sequence of events and measures taken by the New Zealand government and health authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The timeline highlights key events, government actions, and public health responses throughout the year.

January 2020

In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus, later named COVID-19, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. New Zealand began monitoring the situation closely, although no cases were reported in the country during this month.

February 2020

On 3 February, New Zealand imposed travel restrictions on foreign nationals traveling from or transiting through China. Citizens and permanent residents returning from China were required to self-isolate for 14 days.

March 2020

Wash your hands poster

The first case of COVID-19 in New Zealand was confirmed on 28 February. By mid-March, the government introduced a four-level alert system to manage the outbreak. On 19 March, New Zealand closed its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents.

On 25 March, the country moved to Alert Level 4, initiating a nationwide lockdown. This included the closure of schools, non-essential businesses, and public venues.

April 2020

Throughout April, New Zealand remained at Alert Level 4. The government focused on "elimination" of the virus, aiming to reduce transmission to zero. Testing and contact tracing efforts were ramped up significantly.

May 2020

On 27 April, New Zealand moved to Alert Level 3, allowing some businesses to reopen with strict social distancing measures. Schools reopened on 18 May, and the country transitioned to Alert Level 2 on 13 May, further easing restrictions.

June 2020

By 8 June, New Zealand had no active cases of COVID-19 and moved to Alert Level 1, lifting most restrictions while maintaining border controls.

July 2020

In July, New Zealand continued to report no community transmission. However, strict border controls remained in place, with mandatory quarantine for all incoming travelers.

August 2020

COVID-19 bubble spread illustration

On 11 August, a new cluster of cases was identified in Auckland, prompting a return to Alert Level 3 in the region and Level 2 for the rest of the country. The government implemented targeted lockdowns and increased testing.

September 2020

By late September, the Auckland cluster was brought under control, and the city moved back to Alert Level 2, with the rest of the country at Level 1.

October 2020

In October, New Zealand maintained low levels of COVID-19 cases, primarily among travelers in managed isolation. The government continued to emphasize the importance of testing and contact tracing.

November 2020

New Zealand remained vigilant, with health authorities prepared to respond to any new outbreaks. The country continued to enforce strict border measures to prevent the importation of new cases.

December 2020

As the year ended, New Zealand had successfully managed to control the spread of COVID-19, with minimal community transmission and effective public health measures in place.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic