Today the Ministry of Health confirmed six (6) positive cases of COVID-19 on Tanna Island as investigation continues in other parts of Tafea Province
The three islands will move immediately to Level 3 of the Vanuatu Outbreak Alert System, which means there is widespread community transmission, and the risk is very high. An immediate move to COVID-19 Alert level 3 allows for the most vulnerable to be protected and delays transmission.
The Ministry of Health emphasises the importance of public health measures that have been recommended for provinces that have moved to Alert level 3. Stay-at-home orders are in place for Tanna, Errongmango and Aneitym . Everyone is advised to stay at home, leaving only for essential activities. Anyone leaving their own home must wear a mask unless medically unable to do so.
Other restrictions currently includes:
- all businesses that are not essential, as previously defined, are to remain closed;
- churches are to remain closed, and no social gathering are allowed, e.g., gathering for customary procedure;
- schools can operate as long as their Standard Operational Procedures are approved by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health
- markets are to remain open, using physical distancing measures in addition to good hand hygiene.
In addition, hospitals and healthcare facilities are to remain open for all urgent and emergency services, including important maintenance activities such as the distribution of medicines for NCDs and vaccination of children.
COVID-19 treatment measures apply, including isolation of cases away from others. Isolation can occur within healthcare facilities, community isolation centers, hotels, or within homes depending on local needs and resources. Home isolation is preferred in communities that already have community transmission of COVID-19.
Domestic travel guidance within areas of the same or higher risk level applies. No quarantine is required for people or cargo coming from previously affected areas to Tanna, Errongmango and Aneitym.
People are advised to seek medical care immediately if they have symptoms and are at risk of severe disease OR if they have danger signs of COVID-19. In the case that people have mild symptoms and are not at risk of severe disease, people do not need to seek medical care, but are advised to go for a test.
Common and mild symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, and pains, however, some people might have no symptoms at all. However, some people might have no symptoms at all. People with and without symptoms are both contagious and can spread the virus to others.
Danger signs are symptoms that include trouble breathing (shortness of breath or difficulty to breath); ongoing chest pain or chest feeling tight like someone sitting on it; severe headache for a few days; appearing confused or unable to stay awake or wake up; pale, grey, or blue coloured skin, lips, or fingernails; and feeling progressively weaker.
Update on Tafea’s Vaccination Coverage Tafea has an eligible adult population of 23,829 being targeted for the COVID-19 vaccine. Coverage for Tafea Province overall is quite low compared with the other provinces and in particular vaccination coverage on Tanna Island. As of 24 April, vaccination coverage of the first dose was 52 % while the coverage for those who are fully vaccinated is 46%. Vaccination rates remain low amongst the priority groups including in healthcare workers (72%), other frontline workers (58%) and those aged 55 years and over (54%).
People on Tafea Province are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Get fully vaccinated now and get a booster dose after five months of completing your primary vaccination series. Older people (aged 55 and above), pregnant women, and those with existing conditions are strongly encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccine now. COVID-19 vaccination protects against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Any updates on the COVID-19 situation will be provided through official sources and the public is urged not to spread any false or misleading information. Please refer to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website for recent updates: www.covid19.gov.vu and follow the Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook Page. For any questions, please call the free 119 Health Information.