Micronesia’s first COVID-19 outbreak balloons, causing alarm
2 years, 5 months ago

Micronesia’s first COVID-19 outbreak balloons, causing alarm

LA Times  

The sun sets over the runway at the Chuuk Airport in Weno, Federated States of Micronesia. The country’s first COVID-19 outbreak has grown in one week to more than 1,000 cases. Micronesia’s first outbreak of COVID-19 grew in one week to more than 1,000 cases by Tuesday, causing alarm in the Pacific island nation. She said one positive outcome was the outbreak had prompted many previously unvaccinated people to get their shots. She added that many people suspected the virus might have been circulating before the first community case was confirmed last week because health authorities weren’t routinely testing patients for the disease.

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History of this topic

December Blues: Is COVID-19 making a comeback amid holiday season?
1 year ago

December Blues: Is COVID-19 making a comeback amid holiday season?

Firstpost  

Several Asian nations, including Singapore and Malaysia, have reported an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks. Singapore, Malaysia see COVID-19 spike Singapore has been reporting an uptick in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, the country’s Ministry of Health said in a statement on 8 December. In the week ending 2 December, the COVID-19 cases rose …

Micronesia last of larger nations to experience COVID-19 outbreak
2 years, 5 months ago

Micronesia last of larger nations to experience COVID-19 outbreak

LA Times  

For more than 2 ½ years, the Pacific archipelago of Micronesia managed to avoid any COVID outbreaks thanks to its geographic isolation and border controls. For more than 2 ½ years, the Pacific archipelago managed to avoid any outbreaks thanks to its geographic isolation and border controls. Turkmenistan is the only other country with more than 100,000 people that hasn’t …

Micronesia last of bigger nations to have COVID-19 outbreak
2 years, 5 months ago

Micronesia last of bigger nations to have COVID-19 outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Micronesia has likely become the …

Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Samoa has reported scores of …

Samoa detects scores of cases daily in its first-ever coronavirus outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

Samoa detects scores of cases daily in its first-ever coronavirus outbreak

LA Times  

A traditional boat is hauled ashore in Apia, Samoa, in 2015. Samoa has reported scores of new coronavirus cases daily since detecting its first-ever case of community transmission last week. The South Pacific island nation of 200,000 people has been in lockdown since Saturday as it deals with its first outbreak since a worldwide pandemic was declared two years ago. …

Facing its first virus outbreak, Samoa goes into lockdown
2 years, 9 months ago

Facing its first virus outbreak, Samoa goes into lockdown

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Samoa will go into lockdown …

COVID-19 deaths fall for first time since January, WHO says
2 years, 10 months ago

COVID-19 deaths fall for first time since January, WHO says

LA Times  

A man gets a throat swab at a residential compound in Wuhan. The number of new coronavirus cases around the world fell 21% in the last week, marking the third consecutive week that cases have dropped, the World Health Organization said Tuesday. In the U.N. health agency’s weekly pandemic report, WHO said there were more than 12 million new coronavirus …

These countries are still Covid-free
2 years, 11 months ago

These countries are still Covid-free

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Other islands elsewhere have also stayed Covid-free according to the World Health Organization: Niue, Tokelau, Saint Helena, the Cook Islands …

Aid reaching disaster-hit Tonga brings first virus outbreak
2 years, 11 months ago

Aid reaching disaster-hit Tonga brings first virus outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "Clearly when you've got countries …

COVID hits one of the last uninfected places on the planet
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID hits one of the last uninfected places on the planet

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s a matter of buying …

Tonga records two COVID-19 community cases, Pacific Island nation prepares for two-day lockdown
2 years, 11 months ago

Tonga records two COVID-19 community cases, Pacific Island nation prepares for two-day lockdown

ABC  

Tonga will enter a two-day nationwide lockdown from Wednesday night after recording two asymptomatic community cases of COVID-19. Key points: Tonga had been COVID-free and has not had any community transmission of the virus since the start of the pandemic The lockdown comes as the Pacific Island nation struggles to recover from a volcanic eruption and tsunami last month The …

COVID endangers fragile health systems in Pacific nations: Report
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID endangers fragile health systems in Pacific nations: Report

Al Jazeera  

Palau and Fiji have reported high vaccination rates allowing it to contain the virus but countries like the Solomon Islands are seeing a surge in cases. A record surge in COVID-19 cases is threatening to overwhelm hospitals and fragile health systems in the Pacific, from the Solomon Islands to Palau, according to the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent …

After two years, the coronavirus hits one of the last uninfected places on Earth
2 years, 11 months ago

After two years, the coronavirus hits one of the last uninfected places on Earth

LA Times  

The Tarawa atoll of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, one of the last on the planet to suffer a coronavirus outbreak. When the coronavirus began spreading around the world, the remote Pacific archipelago of Kiribati closed its borders, ensuring that the pathogen didn’t reach its shores for nearly two full years. Kiribati finally began reopening this month, allowing the …

Two thirds of passengers on first flight to Covid-free island test positive
2 years, 11 months ago

Two thirds of passengers on first flight to Covid-free island test positive

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The island of Kiribati had managed to stay Covid-free for the entirety of the pandemic - …

Hawaii ends 2021 with record surge of COVID-19 cases
3 years ago

Hawaii ends 2021 with record surge of COVID-19 cases

Associated Press  

HONOLULU — Hawaii has reported another day of near-record coronavirus cases, ending the year with a surging infection rate and hospitals on edge. The state more than doubled a previous delta variant record Thursday after reporting nearly 3,500 new cases. Hawaii hospital officials have said they are already nearly full with non-coronavirus patients and worry about staffing shortages affecting their …

Thursday Island COVID-19 outbreak worsens with eight new cases detected
3 years ago

Thursday Island COVID-19 outbreak worsens with eight new cases detected

ABC  

Health authorities have confirmed eight new cases of coronavirus on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Acting Director of Medical Services in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Marlow Coates, said they were all connected to the one case confirmed overnight. "Today there's a lot of discovery going on around how far the spread of this outbreak may …

In remote Pacific islands, businesses look local to survive COVID
3 years, 1 month ago

In remote Pacific islands, businesses look local to survive COVID

Al Jazeera  

Pacific island nations saw their economies shrink an estimated 5.8 percent in 2020 amid a collapse in tourism. “All the business come back when the borders are open.” Businesses in Vanuatu, like those in other remote Pacific island nations that heavily rely on visitors, will be dealing with adversity for some time yet. Vanuatu and fellow Pacific Island nations Papua …

Tonga reports its first ever COVID-19 case of the pandemic in traveller from New Zealand
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga reports its first ever COVID-19 case of the pandemic in traveller from New Zealand

ABC  

The island nation of Tonga has reported its first-ever case of COVID-19 after a traveller from New Zealand tested positive. Key points: The island nation had remained COVID-free until now The case is a traveller from Christchurch who departed before the news came of community cases there New Zealand health officials said the traveller was fully vaccinated and returned a …

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case

NPR  

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Baker/AP Mark Baker/AP WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The island nation of Tonga on Friday reported its first-ever case of COVID-19 after a traveler from New Zealand tested positive. Sponsor Message Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said in a radio address that the traveler was among 215 passengers who …

New Zealand backdated Covid-19 exposure sites show virus circulated for 2 weeks from NSW Australia
3 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand backdated Covid-19 exposure sites show virus circulated for 2 weeks from NSW Australia

Daily Mail  

Auckland's backdated Covid-19 exposure sites worryingly show the virus has been circulating in the country for more than two weeks as the city records 11 new cases. New Zealand's Covid-19 cases have now jumped to 21 with 11 positive cases recorded on Thursday - all located in Auckland There are currently 21 positive cases of Covid-19 including two in hospital, …

Hawaii reports highest number of new COVID cases in pandemic
3 years, 5 months ago

Hawaii reports highest number of new COVID cases in pandemic

Associated Press  

HONOLULU — Hawaii officials announced 622 new cases of coronavirus Friday, the highest number of confirmed infections since the start of the pandemic. The total included cases from lab reporting delays from the past three days, officials said, but the number is still a significant spike for the state of about 1.4 million people. David Ige said the latest total …

Hospitals in chaos as Fiji battles COVID-19 hell
3 years, 5 months ago

Hospitals in chaos as Fiji battles COVID-19 hell

Al Jazeera  

Pacific island nation’s hospitals are overwhelmed and people are struggling as government hopes vaccination will offer way out. Suva, Fiji – Fiji’s spiralling COVID-19 crisis reached a terrifying new milestone this month, as the World Health Organization reported that the country’s spread of infection was one of the highest in the world. Radio New Zealand reported last week that more …

The Latest: Fiji urges more jabs as COVID deaths rise
3 years, 5 months ago

The Latest: Fiji urges more jabs as COVID deaths rise

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Fiji’s …

Fiji's worsening COVID-19 Delta outbreak claims the lives of two pregnant women
3 years, 5 months ago

Fiji's worsening COVID-19 Delta outbreak claims the lives of two pregnant women

ABC  

Two pregnant woman have died from COVID-19 in Fiji as part of a worsening outbreak over the last week. Key points: Fiji has recorded 1,054 new cases in the latest reporting period, up from 784 cases in the previous window Just under 12 per cent of Fiji's population has been fully vaccinated Seventeen personnel from Australia and New Zealand travelled …

The Latest: COVID-19 cases grow in hard-hit area of Missouri
3 years, 6 months ago

The Latest: COVID-19 cases grow in hard-hit area of Missouri

Associated Press  

MISSION, Kan. — The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients jumped by nearly 27% over the Fourth of July weekend in a hard-hit area of Missouri where immunization rates are low, leading to a temporary ventilator shortfall and a public call for help from respiratory therapists. ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: — Indonesia seeks more oxygen for COVID-19 sick amid shortage …

Expert warns of spread of Delta variant; OSHA cites doctor
3 years, 6 months ago

Expert warns of spread of Delta variant; OSHA cites doctor

Associated Press  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus will pose a serious risk this summer to people who are not fully vaccinated, according to Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health. He envisions the new vaccine playing a critical role elsewhere on the planet, given adequate supplies of the Moderna, Pfizer and …

Fiji was once first in line for an Aussie travel bubble, now it's battered by COVID. What happened?
3 years, 6 months ago

Fiji was once first in line for an Aussie travel bubble, now it's battered by COVID. What happened?

ABC  

As the Pacific's most mature and developed economy, Fiji has endured a bruising 12 months. The Reserve Bank of Fiji estimates the economy contracted by 19 per cent last year, a number that would presage societal collapse if it were recorded here in Australia. Fiji has now recorded close to 900 cases in this outbreak, with half of those cases …

Cases linked to Delta strain explode in Fiji, as government struggles to control outbreak
3 years, 7 months ago

Cases linked to Delta strain explode in Fiji, as government struggles to control outbreak

ABC  

Young mother Vaseva Radinivanuakula was shocked when her entire village in Fiji was put under lockdown. Key points: Fiji recorded a daily record of 83 cases on Sunday The outbreak is linked to the highly infectious Delta strain The government is being urged to introduce a lockdown on businesses Authorities said that a funeral held last Thursday in her tiny …

Queensland authorities identify COVID-19 strain linked to Papua New Guinea
3 years, 9 months ago

Queensland authorities identify COVID-19 strain linked to Papua New Guinea

ABC  

Queensland Health says a new strain of COVID-19 detected in travellers from Papua New Guinea isn't a "lineage of concern". Key points: Travel between PNG and Australia is restricted A viral strain from PNG has been found in some cases in Queensland Queensland virologist Kirsty Short says as the virus spreads, more strains and mutations will emerge PNG has a …

Australia gives COVID-19 shots to virus-hit Papua New Guinea
3 years, 9 months ago

Australia gives COVID-19 shots to virus-hit Papua New Guinea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia will send COVID-19 vaccines …

Remote Hawaii County Becomes Last In U.S. To Get The Coronavirus
3 years, 11 months ago

Remote Hawaii County Becomes Last In U.S. To Get The Coronavirus

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Nearly a year after the first person to test positive for COVID-19 was identified in Washington state on Jan. 20, 2020, the coronavirus has found its way into every single county in the United States. According to a Wall Street Journal analysis of Johns Hopkins University data and state records, the last county to register a case …

Pacific Islands may not finish rolling out COVID vaccines until 2025
3 years, 11 months ago

Pacific Islands may not finish rolling out COVID vaccines until 2025

ABC  

Solomon Islands has avoided the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, but new research shows it could take it and other Pacific countries years to vaccinate the majority of their populations. Key points: A delay in a mass rollout will likely also delay the reopening of international borders, experts say That could have economic consequences, especially for tourism dependent countries like …

Japan Finds Covid-19 Variant in 3 People With No Record of Travel to UK
3 years, 11 months ago

Japan Finds Covid-19 Variant in 3 People With No Record of Travel to UK

News 18  

Japanese doctors have detected a fast-spreading variant of the new coronavirus first discovered in Britain in three people who had not travelled there, the Health Ministry said on Monday. The three, aged from their 20s to their 60s and living in Shizuoka prefecture, about 200 km west of Tokyo, first had symptoms in early January, the ministry said. A health …

As more Pacific countries record COVID-19 cases, some governments are rethinking their coronavirus strategy
4 years, 1 month ago

As more Pacific countries record COVID-19 cases, some governments are rethinking their coronavirus strategy

ABC  

Vanuatu has joined just a handful of Pacific countries with active COVID-19 cases. Key points: Vanuatu doesn't have enough test kits and is prioritising people from medium- and high-risk areas Vanuatu doesn't have enough test kits and is prioritising people from medium- and high-risk areas Cases in Tahiti surged a month after it opened its borders to international tourists in …

NZ COVID-19 travel bubble with Australia could be possible before end of 2020
4 years, 3 months ago

NZ COVID-19 travel bubble with Australia could be possible before end of 2020

ABC  

Travel between New Zealand and some states of Australia could be possible before the end of the year if COVID-19 cases continue to decline, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Key points: Ms Ardern says Australia is satisfied with her country's handling of the virus Ms Ardern says Australia is satisfied with her country's handling of the virus New …

Can coronavirus threaten isolated Pacific nations?
4 years, 6 months ago

Can coronavirus threaten isolated Pacific nations?

Al Jazeera  

Tourism-reliant Pacific island nations worried about economic impact of pandemic. On Thursday, July 2 at 19:30 GMT: The Pacific Islands have not escaped the attention of the coronavirus, despite being some of the most isolated places in the world. Fiji, which has declared itself coronavirus-free after 18 COVID-19 patients recovered, says it now hopes to create a so-called “travel bubble” …

New Zealand Now Has Just 1 Active COVID-19 Case
4 years, 7 months ago

New Zealand Now Has Just 1 Active COVID-19 Case

NPR  

New Zealand Now Has Just 1 Active COVID-19 Case Enlarge this image toggle caption Kerry Marshall/Getty Images Kerry Marshall/Getty Images New Zealand is now down to only one active COVID-19 case, reaching a new level of success in its fight against the coronavirus. "For the seventh day in a row, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report in …

Could Australia expand its proposed coronavirus travel bubble to the Pacific Islands? Here's what you need to know
4 years, 7 months ago

Could Australia expand its proposed coronavirus travel bubble to the Pacific Islands? Here's what you need to know

ABC  

In Fiji, pristine bungalows sit empty, sparkling resort pools have no-one swimming in them and thousands of employees who would usually be on hand to greet tourists with wide smiles have been left without work. So, when could Australians be back sunning themselves on a beach in Fiji, what are the risks and benefits of reopening borders in the region …

Is the Pacific evading coronavirus, or is it running a few weeks behind Australia on the infection curve?
4 years, 8 months ago

Is the Pacific evading coronavirus, or is it running a few weeks behind Australia on the infection curve?

ABC  

About 250 COVID-19 cases doesn't seem like all that many. "We have to keep watching on widespread community transmission and we must prepare for that," said Dr Corinne Capuano, the Director of the World Health Organisation's Division for Pacific Technical Support. "Pacific countries are also vulnerable to infectious diseases, even without COVID-19," Dr Capuano said. Even those Pacific Island countries …

No new coronavirus COVID-19 cases in WA for the first time in more than five weeks
4 years, 8 months ago

No new coronavirus COVID-19 cases in WA for the first time in more than five weeks

ABC  

Western Australia has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 overnight, the first day with no new confirmed cases of the virus in more than five weeks. Key points: The last time WA recorded a day with no new COVID-19 cases was March 12 Premier Mark McGowan says all of WA's strict measures have played a role But he says it …

Pacific nations stay vigilant against coronavirus in cyclone's aftermath
4 years, 8 months ago

Pacific nations stay vigilant against coronavirus in cyclone's aftermath

India Today  

A powerful cyclone that hit the Pacific Island nations this week bringing death, injuries and destruction cannot be allowed to disrupt containment efforts against the spread of the coronavirus, officials in the region said. Cyclone Harold, a Category 5 storm with winds in excess of 251 km/h passed through the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, cutting power and destroying …

Remote Pacific islands prepare for worst as coronavirus looms
4 years, 9 months ago

Remote Pacific islands prepare for worst as coronavirus looms

Al Jazeera  

People in the island nations have some of world’s highest rates of diabetes and obesity, and health systems are weak. “We are having to work from an already disadvantaged position compared to most countries … The major concern for most of us is that we don’t and will not have the capacity to deal with an outbreak of the magnitudes …

COVID-19 | Fears rise as coronavirus cases, deaths hit new high
4 years, 10 months ago

COVID-19 | Fears rise as coronavirus cases, deaths hit new high

The Hindu  

The number of countries hit by the COVID-19 outbreak climbed past 60 on March 1, as infections and deaths continued to mount around the globe, emptying streets of tourists and workers, shaking economies and rewriting the realities of daily life. China, where the outbreak began two months ago, on March 1 reported a slight uptick in new cases over the …

New Zealand confirms first case of the new coronavirus
4 years, 10 months ago

New Zealand confirms first case of the new coronavirus

Daily Mail  

New Zealand confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus on Friday in someone who returned from Iran, but said the chances of a community outbreak remains low. 'Although we have our first case of COVID-19, the chances of community outbreak remain low,' the ministry said. New Zealand confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus on Friday in someone …

Samoa's measles crisis has claimed 15 lives but how did the outbreak start?
5 years, 1 month ago

Samoa's measles crisis has claimed 15 lives but how did the outbreak start?

ABC  

Samoa's Government has announced a compulsory mass vaccination campaign, making receiving immunisations a mandatory legal requirement. Key points: Low immunisation coverage has been attributed as a major factor Local media has reported more than 700 suspected cases of measles Other neighbouring nations such as Fiji and Tonga are also affected The move comes amid a deadly measles outbreak in the …

Samoa receives support from Australia and New Zealand amid escalating measles crisis
5 years, 1 month ago

Samoa receives support from Australia and New Zealand amid escalating measles crisis

ABC  

The death toll from Samoa's deadly measles outbreak has climbed to 15, as Australia and New Zealand dispatch medical teams to tackle the contagious disease spreading across the Pacific. Key points: Australia has sent a team of 34 doctors, nurses and clinical assistance to Samoa New Zealand will deploy a total of 30 vaccination nurses and 3,000 vaccinations Experts attribute …

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