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 from Saturday as it faces its first outbreak of the coronavirus after a woman who was about to leave the country tested positive. A government report leaked online indicates the woman had visited church services, a hospital, stores, a library and a travel agency since first feeling ill last Saturday. Samoa and several neighboring Pacific island nations were among the last places on earth to avoid virus outbreaks. John Fala, who runs a logistics company in Samoa, said it was inevitable that Samoa would eventually get the virus, a reality brought home for many when COVID-19 began spreading in nearby American Samoa.

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History of this topic

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 …

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 …

The Omicron subvariant spreading across the U.S. shares an ominous trait with Delta
2 years, 7 months ago

The Omicron subvariant spreading across the U.S. shares an ominous trait with Delta

LA Times  

Coronavirus particles are seen under a microscope. A genetic trait that harks back to the pandemic’s past, known as a Delta mutation, appears to allow the virus “to escape preexisting immunity from vaccination and prior infection, especially if you were infected in the Omicron wave,” said Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas. The Omicron subvariant gaining …

A new COVID-19 variant has been detected in Australia. Here's what we know
2 years, 9 months ago

A new COVID-19 variant has been detected in Australia. Here's what we know

ABC  

A new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Australia, which is a hybrid of two previous strains. Confirmation that the first Deltacron case in Australia was reported by New South Wales on Friday and on Saturday Queensland Health said "a number of cases" had also been detected here through genomic sequencing. Infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin said most variants …

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. …

Health officials confirm Omicron variant spreading through Tonga as Pacific Island nation records 31 new cases of COVID-19
2 years, 10 months ago

Health officials confirm Omicron variant spreading through Tonga as Pacific Island nation records 31 new cases of COVID-19

ABC  

Health officials have confirmed the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has entered Tonga for the first time after last month's volcanic eruption, as the number of cases almost doubles to 64. Key points: Tonga has now recorded 64 cases of COVID-19, with testing confirming all cases are the Omicron variant Around 100,000 people were placed into lockdown after the country recorded …

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 …

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 …

Covid outbreak on Australian aid ship headed to virus-free Tonga
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid outbreak on Australian aid ship headed to virus-free Tonga

Deccan Chronicle  

Almost two dozen crew on board an Australian Navy ship on its way to provide relief to the Pacific island of Tonga have been diagnosed with coronavirus, potentially hampering aid efforts to the Covid-free nation. Dutton said the Australian government was working with Tongan authorities to ensure the aid could still be delivered safely without passing on Covid to anyone …

COVID: New Zealand adds new restrictions as omicron variant spreads
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID: New Zealand adds new restrictions as omicron variant spreads

India TV News  

Highlights New Zealanders set to face new COVID norms after 9 omicron cases were detected in single family Businesses can remain open and people can still visit family and friends, says PM Jacinda Ardern About 93 per cent of New Zealanders aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated New Zealanders are set to face new COVID-19 restrictions after nine cases …

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 …

How to fight Covid-19 while the scientists wait for answers on Omicron (Opinion)
3 years, 1 month ago

How to fight Covid-19 while the scientists wait for answers on Omicron (Opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP is an infectious disease epidemiologist, senior director of the system-wide special pathogens program at NYC Health + Hospitals, health and safety lead at the Enhanced Investigations Unit of NYC Test & Trace, and fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. CNN — Syra Madad Courtesy of Syra Madad Jacob Glanville …

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 faces lockdown after first COVID case is detected
3 years, 2 months ago

Tonga faces lockdown after first COVID case is detected

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Pohiva Tuionetoa says South Pacific nation of 106,000 people could be locked down next week if infection spreads. Tongan Prime Minister Pohiva Tuionetoa warned on Saturday that residents on the country’s main island Tongatapu faced a possible lockdown next week after recording its first case of COVID-19. “We should use this time to get ready in case more …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Virus outbreak in Fiji batters economy, tests health system
3 years, 6 months ago

Virus outbreak in Fiji batters economy, tests health system

Associated Press  

SUVA, Fiji — A growing coronavirus outbreak in Fiji is stretching the health system and devastating the economy. Fiji’s government has delivered nearly 40,000 packages of food rations to people who have been isolating at home or are in targeted lockdown areas. Australia and New Zealand have sent vaccines, money and medical teams to help Fiji’s overburdened health system. James …

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 …

Parliament closed, quarantine facilities overrun as Delta COVID-19 strain rips through Fiji
3 years, 6 months ago

Parliament closed, quarantine facilities overrun as Delta COVID-19 strain rips through Fiji

ABC  

Fiji's Parliament has been forced to close as COVID-19 cases surge in the Pacific island nation, overwhelming quarantine facilities and prompting calls for a nationwide lockdown. Key points: Fiji went a full year without recording any community cases until April Fiji went a full year without recording any community cases until April Authorities have resisted introducing a national lockdown, over …

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 …

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 …

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” …

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 …

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