The Cook Islands are now one of the first nations in the world to be free of Covid-19, Prime Minister Henry Puna has declared.

Beach at Cook Islands Source: 1 NEWS

In an address to the nation last night, Mr Puna told that hundreds of Covid-19 tests in the Cook Islands have returned as negative, according to Cook Island News.

As a result, the nation's "Code Yellow" measures against the virus, introduced late last month, will be eased.

That will see schools open once again on Monday, domestic travel restrictions to the outer islands lifted, resumption of non-contact sport, cafes and restaurants allowed to open for normal business again, and reviewing restrictions over the sale of alcohol.