Update: Covid-19 in the Pacific Islands

via RNZ Pacific  & local news outlets

Cover photo of Fiji health workers by Leon Lord/AFP/Getty Images

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Solomon Islands figures soar, Vanuatu confirms their first Covid related death, Medical staff test positive in American Samoa, Over 200 active cases in the Cook Islands, the Tongan Prime Minister tests positive for Covid and more ...

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AMERICAN SAMOA

American Samoa now has 527 reported cases of Covid-19 in the community.  51 new cases were confirmed after tests were conducted at Department of Health clinics and LBJ Hospital over the weekend.

Acting Chief of Staff for LBJ Hospital Dr Akapusi Ledua reported a physician from LBJ Hospital had been admitted to the Covid ward - one of four doctors among 11 staff members of the hospital who have tested positive.

80.9% of the territory's population is fully vaccinated.  Federal medical personnel are on island helping the territorial health authorities's response.

As Covid-19 continues to spread across Tutuila health officials are encouraging people to stock up or prepare for when one family member becomes positive.

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga also issued a modified Emergency Declaration for the Territory due to the ongoing COVID-19 community transmission surge.

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COOK ISLANDS 

The total number of Covid-19 cases in the Cook Islands (Rarotonga and Aitutaki) stands at 338 (as of last night).

Of that total, 95 people have recovered and the total number of active Covid cases now stands at 243.  A third case was detected in Aitutaki on Saturday - all cases and their close contacts are in isolation.

According to Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, there are still no cases in hospital.

However as Covid-19 cases continue to rise, Cook Islands public health advisor Dr Douglas Lush says it is “inevitable” that the country will experience some hospitalisations from the virus.

“So far, the virus has largely been circulating among the younger community, such as in schools, who tend to be less vulnerable,” Lush earlier said.

“It’s inevitable it will also circulate amongst older or more vulnerable parts of the community. In turn, this will likely lead to hospitalisations.”

Last week the Cook Islands Government announced supervised RAT 24 hour pre-departure testing will soon replace PCR testing and the 10 days stand down before travelling to Rarotonga from New Zealand is also set to be scrapped.

MIQ and restriction on entry for unvaccinated Cook Islanders and permanent residents will also be removed soon.

FRENCH POLYNESIA 

French Polynesia is suspending from tomorrow the need to show a vaccine pass for domestic travel and for places still subject to access restrictions, such as discos and concert venues.

Although the incidence of Covid-19 has continued to decline, the vaccine pass will still be required for those over the age of 12 for visits to hospitals.

In the latest two-day reporting period, the health authorities recorded a further two fatalities.

They also tallied another 278 cases, bringing the number of active cases to 1,154.  8 people are in hospital, including one in intensive care.

From tomorrow, school children will no longer have to wear masks in classrooms but must do so on school buses.

Last week, the government lifted the requirement for school staff to be vaccinated.

NEW CALEDONIA 

New Caledonia has dropped the need to use a health pass for all venues and events except health care facilities as the incidence of Covid-19 has continued to decline.

Masks are no longer required to be worn in public and as of today, school children don't have to wear masks in classrooms.  Minors are also allowed to use public transport and enter shops without wearing a mask - an obligation still in place for adults.

Serious coronavirus infections have disproportionately affected New Caledonians of Pacific Island descent, highlighting social inequalities in a territory that is agonizing over whether to break free of France.  Poverty and unhealthy diets have compounded New Caledonia’s Covid crisis.  More on the Covid crisis here as reported by the New York Times 

The number of hospitalised Covid-19 patients is 25, of whom four are in intensive care.  The death toll remains at 305.

Last week, the seven-day quarantine requirement was lifted for arriving travellers who are vaccinated.

SAMOA

Two frontline staff - a driver and a health worker - have tested positive for Covid-19 in Samoa.

The National Emergency Operation Committee has confirmed the latest cases were identified in quarantine after follow-up Covid tests of close contacts of the health worker who tested positive on March 11.

There are now 15 cases of Covid-19 in quarantine at Samoa's border since passengers tested positive after a repatriation flight arrived from Auckland on March 6.

The two latest cases are close contacts of the health worker who tested positive on Friday and they have been transferred to the isolation ward at the hospital at Moto'otua.

Samoa is on level one of a state of emergency and the public is encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash hands regularly.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry will halt its Covid-19 vaccination rollout for people aged 18 and above from next month.

The Samoa Observer reports the country's deputy director-general of public health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen said the nationwide AstraZeneca vaccination campaign has been ongoing for a year and health workers "need to rest".

SOLOMON ISLANDS 

The latest Covid-19 figures from Solomon Islands show there were 465 new cases reported over a 72 hour reporting period.

The cumulative total number of positive COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 9,124.

In terms of hospitalization at the national referral hospital (NRH) in Honiara, there are now only 5 COVID-19 related admissions. The central field hospital (CFH) is still empty, with no new admissions over the past 72 hours.

There have been 120 deaths related to covid infections since January according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Servicies however, Special Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM), Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, clarified that positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Honiara are in fact declining, and most of the new cases recorded are from people that came in from the provinces by boat after restrictions were eased.

TONGA 

Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has tested positive for Covid-19.

A media statement issued by Tonga Government said the Prime Minister his Covid symptoms are mild and he is now in isolation with members of his immediate family.

Tonga's lockdown rules require a mandatory two-week isolation period.

In the statement Hu'akavameiliku media said they are "adjusting our lives and affairs as we learn to live with Covid-19 and I will continue to serve His Majesty, Government and our people during my time in isolation."

Hu'akavameiliku has been double vaccinated and boosted.

Meanwhile Tonga's Covid cases have continued to rise with over 1300 active cases.  Stats below via the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom.

VANUATU 

Vanuatu is reporting 42 new cases of Covid-19, taking the country's total since the beginning of 2022 to 252.  A first community case was reported on 4th March, leading to concerns of large scale community transmission.  

The 42 new cases are on Efate, where there are 27 cases, and also in Shefa province and on Santo.