22 December 2021

A person who arrived to Vanuatu from Fiji on the 24th of November and another who arrived from Australia on 1st of December 2021 who were detected as active COVID-19 cases have now received medical clearance. They are classified as fully recovered and pose no COVID-19 threat to any other person. Both will therefore be discharged from isolation today and will be reunited with the families and communities for the festive season.

Neither of the two people showed any symptoms of COVID-19 throughout the period of quarantine and isolation. Both were fully vaccinated, which protects against severe disease, hospitalization and death. Although samples from the two people were sent overseas for testing, the COVID-19 variant could not be determined. This was because the virus levels in the sample were too low.

Recovery and medical clearance of these two people now mark the 6th and 7th active COVID- 19 cases that have been successfully detected and contained at the border, in managed quarantine and isolation in Vanuatu. There has been no indication of COVID-19 cases in the community.

As of today, 22nd of December 2021, Efate and Offshore Islands return to Alert Level 0: Low Risk. Therefore, the whole of Vanuatu is now at Alert Level 0: Low Risk. COVID-19 is widespread throughout the world and the risk of importation to Vanuatu remains high. The best way to protect yourself, your family and your community is to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. WHO-recommended vaccines like AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Johnson and Johnson are safe and effective.

As a nation we are making good progress with vaccination. Over one third of our adult population nationwide is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 62% partially vaccinated after having received one dose. However, further work is needed to meet the targets set that will enable us to reduce border restrictions and accept more international travellers.

As we approach the end of the year, the Ministry of Health wish to commend those who have come forward to receive their vaccines and ensure protection against COVID-19 for themselves, their families, and their communities. We wish to express our appreciation for those who have actively relied on official and true information, and have been fighting the waves of misinformation with us. We applaud those healthcare workers who have continued to work above and beyond what would normally be expected, sacrificing time with their families to serve and protect this great nation. We appreciate each and every single one of you. The Ministry of Health remain committed to the task of keeping Vanuatu safe and COVID- 19 free, and look forward to your support in the coming year.

We wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy start to 2022.