schools closed

The ministry said the suspension is for the safety of the students and teachers.

“It is advisable that all Principals keep all school stationeries, equipment and facilities secured according to their school disaster plans”.

Provincial Education officers and school administration in Sheta and Tafea have been advised to continue to listen to the updated information given by Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-Hazards Department.

The Public School System says two of the new cases relate to the Chacha Oceanview Middle School and Francisco M. Sablan Middle School.

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp has yet to state where the third case was identified.

Effective from today, Governor Ralph Torres has directed the temporary closure of all public and private schools and colleges to mitigate against community spread.

As contact tracing in relation to the cases swung into action, Mr Torres has reassured the public that the CNMI would be able to contain the outbreak.