Health Situation Reports

HIGHLIGHTS

• The first confirmed case of COVID-19 detected on 10 November 2020 received health clearance and was discharged from isolation at Vila Central Hospital on 01 December.
• Vanuatu was therefore considered again to be COVID-19 free as of the date of clearance and discharge
• There have been no subsequent suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Vanuatu
• Phase 3 of repatriation of Vanuatu citizens and residents commenced on 14th January 2021 with strict mandatory quarantine measures applied for 14 days and tests conducted prior to health clearance.
• As per the COVID-19 Health Sector Preparedness and Response Plan, Vanuatu is in Scenario 1 (no active cases)
• New COVID-19 variants that are potentially more infectious have been identified in several countries; the Vanuatu Ministry of Health is closely monitoring developments. Current protocols for prevention of COVID-19 in place in Vanuatu remain appropriate with these new variants; the situation will be monitored on an on-going basis.
• Probable transmission of COVID-19 during a flight to New Zealand has been noted with reports indicating that some involved passengers did not wear masks during the flight. The Vanuatu public health directive requires for mandatory in-flight wearing of masks by both crew and passengers; Air Vanuatu crew have been directed to strictly enforce this on all flights.
• People are urged not to spread misinformation/rumours.