COVID-19

One more positive Covid-19 case in Tahiti

The tally also shows that the number of carriers in hospital is unchanged at one.

All cases are concentrated on Tahiti and Moorea.

Travel restrictions between islands are in force and there is a nightly curfew until at least 15 April.

A ban on the sale of alcohol has been extended to last until restrictions on movement are lifted.

     

Queen promises 'better days will return' in rare televised address on Covid-19

In her address, which was broadcast on TV, radio and social media, she thanked everyone on the NHS frontline.

"I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times," she said.

There are thanks from the Queen too for "those of you who are staying at home" and by doing so, "helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones".

Police pair among 60 arrested for curfew breach in Fiji

Lautoka and Suva are now lockdown with the latter entering its first day following the announcement of two confirmed cases of the coronavirus there yesterday.

Fiji's Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho said the two officers arrested would be charged and will face internal disciplinary action.

Mr Qiliho warned police officers caught breaking the law would be expelled from the force, including those responsible for social gatherings at the police barracks.

Philippines leader Duterte takes hard line against lockdown violators: 'Shoot them dead'

In a televised address, Duterte said it was vital everyone cooperate and follow home quarantine measures, as authorities tried to slow the contagion and spare the country's fragile health system from being overwhelmed.

The Philippines has recorded 96 coronavirus deaths and 2311 confirmed cases, all but three in the past three weeks, with infections now being reported by the hundreds every day.

If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre

NZ Rugby gives grant to Super Rugby clubs

The intercontinental Super Rugby competition was shut down after round seven when the New Zealand government enforced two weeks of self-isolation for anyone entering the country.

Hopes of putting on a domestic competition foundered when government measures to counter the virus were further tightened, leaving the teams with players to pay but no revenue streams.

Vanuatu implements Food Security Response Plan COVID-19

The priority actions include the Commercial Food Basket where supply of local produce is made accessible to urban households at an affordable price.

DARD is working in partnership with some key farmers on Efate and commercial farms to gather the supply of fresh produce and has been on sale at the Sepeta Warehouse at Tagabe DARD station to the general public since 27 March 2020.

Stranded foreign nationals in Fiji seek help from govt

Fiji closed its border to Europe, China, South Korea and Iran on 8 March due to the Covid-19 threat.

Foreign Affairs Minister Inia Seruiratu said the government received a request from the British High Commission and is working with Fiji Airways to find an alternative route for those stranded.

"It's not only about getting them out of Fiji but to which destination. That is a challenge. It's not that simple. We have to have agreements because other countries have locked down as well."

Inia Seruiratu said a committee had been set up to look into the matter.

Five more Covid-19 cases in Guam

There people have died in Guam from coronavirus.

Overnight, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said 41 swabs were tested and five came back positive.

She added that 12 people have recovered from the virus.

     

Luganville Mayor warns shops against price-gouging

Last week the government declared a State of Emergency to help keep the country free of the Covid-19 virus.

His warning follows a directive from caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai that businesses must not take advantage of the situation by raising their prices.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports the mayor, Peter Patty, sent council officers to inspect shops and they found that some had hiked their prices.

Mr Patty said he will send letters to all shops in Luganville with a final warning.

Numbers of arrests for breaches of Fiji's Covid-19 curfew top 160

Police say 48 people were taken into custody overnight for breaching the curfew hours from 10pm-5am.

Minister for National Security, Inia Seruiratu, said despite repeated warnings and advisories people were not adhering to the Covid-19 restrictions.

He said this was one of the challenges facing law enforcement officers on the ground.

"There have been arrests throughout the country particularly in the western division. And of course most of them have been charged. We are still appealing to our people to please cooperate with us."