Photos of a packed stadium in Covid-free New Zealand get shared widely online

Pictures show mask-less spectators cheering for the home team in their first rugby union Test after a seven-month break in the sport. The match ended in a draw with both the teams scoring 16 points.

New Zealand, under PM Ardern, took some of the swiftest and strongest actions against the outbreak. They effectively eliminated COVID in their country. Now they get to do this.

Leadership matters. https://t.co/EW2lYgGXwg

— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) October 11, 2020

52’ | A great finish from Marika Koroibete out wide has put Australia back within touching distance.

All Blacks 13 – Australia 8#BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/rdupzVJLAk

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 11, 2020

20 minutes remaining here at @skystadium and the fans are loving it with the game in the balance.#BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/gS7CcKyJQN

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 11, 2020

Thank you Rex. It was awesome! A collaborative effort from Government, health authorities and the community all pulling together pic.twitter.com/7Jy9qYWKzt

— Shane Harmon (@ShaneHarmon) October 12, 2020

30’ | O’Connor pinches back three for the Wallabies.

All Blacks 8 – 3 Australia#BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/5iqV7xxsWl

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 11, 2020

NO TRY! It looked like Rieko Ioane had finished a sweeping backline movement but he has lost control over the line.#BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/i9tCjzUtKY

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 11, 2020

While some said the event was irresponsible given the ongoing pandemic, others said it was a reminder of what the world was like before the virus struck:

Damn. Although it’s way easier to lockdown an island.

— Justin Mrwik (@JustinMrwik) October 11, 2020

No vaccine. We closed border, did scaled series of lockdowns, from super strict for 6 wks & eased restrictions at each level. We stayed in our bubbles, socially distanced, wore masks, listened to science & cared for people. Govt stepped in instantly with financial support as well

— Cherie ❤️🇳🇿 (@Catzmadam) October 12, 2020

I’m struggling being proud of being an American right now.

— Amanda @🏠 (@flkyuttn) October 11, 2020

My husband is from New Zealand, my sister-in-law lives in Auckland. When we FaceTime, it’s a different world; a past life. They’re back to normal: restaurants, bars, concerts, sports. When you arrive in NZ you live in mandatory quarantine for 14 days & get tested. #Leadership https://t.co/vWkdQzdi5D

— Leilani Münter (@LeilaniMunter) October 11, 2020

pic.twitter.com/CVijnctmgK

— Leo 🇨🇴 (@vargas305MIA) October 11, 2020

The only reason COVID continues to spread is that it needs a willing host. NZ is not willing to risk it’s people and look, their business side is up and thriving again.
It’s not COVID that’s spreading itself around, it’s people.

— FBananapants (@FBananapants) October 11, 2020

Why aren’t they wearing masks!!!
(oh, it’s New Zealand…) pic.twitter.com/GMYLmk7lPM

— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) October 11, 2020

With no new infections reported in the past 24 hours as per an Independent.com report, New Zealand has been praised for its handling of the virus. The island nation successfully stamped out the spread of the virus following a strict lockdown earlier this year.

Though Auckland saw a renewed outbreak in August, authorities said it was brought under control following a fresh set of lockdown measures.