New Caledonia has lifted its last internal restrictions imposed after last month's first community outbreak of Covid-19.
Petanque game along Anse Vata in Noumea Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel
The territory returned to its Covid-free status after a four-week lockdown, but still required people to wear masks in public places.
As of yesterday morning, mass gatherings were again allowed, clearing the way for churches to have services for the first time in five weeks.
Boarding schools have been able to receive students and re-open today.
On 7 March, a cluster of local Covid-19 cases was detected, prompting an immediate sharp lockdown.
A total of 63 infections were recorded since then but none in the past week.
Access to New Caledonia is restricted to citizens and residents, with quarantine requirements still in place.
International air links will remain limited to at least the end of October.