Social distancing

Vanuatu PM urges social distancing, good hygiene practices due to Covid border cases

Loughman made the comment as he announced that the Ministry of Health through the Covid-19 Task force team in Port Vila detected two cases of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Sunday.

He said the two patients were part of 18 passengers flown into the country on Friday 22 October, from Noumea, New Caledonia.

“Health authorities discovered the two had the coronavirus while they were in the quarantine”.

Cameras to monitor masks and social distancing

The resort city of Cannes on the Côte d'Azur has trialled the monitoring software, installed at outdoor markets and on buses.

It is not clear how many other cities will adopt this digital surveillance.

French firm Datakalab says its software does not violate EU data privacy law.

"No image is stored or transmitted, ensuring that personal information is protected," Datakalab said, announcing its collaboration with Cannes city hall, ahead of the 11 May relaxation of France's tough lockdown.

Port Vila market reopening with social distance rules

Port Vila Market was closed recently along with other public facilities as the country put measures in place to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The market has undergone a renovation and opens again today.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports only 50 vendors will be allowed to sell at the market each day.

Municipal Council authorities are maintaining emergency restrictions on general public gatherings, but agreed to reopen the market to ensure the ongoing supply of fresh vegetables and fruit to the city's 45,000-strong population.

Ways to stay social online while in self-isolation

As schools shut and some people work from home, many are feeling cut off from their everyday hobbies and social lives.

But the internet offers a means to stay connected and to keep us all entertained and educated through the days of isolation.

Here are just some of the ways people are already using technology to lift their spirits.

Socialising remotely

Groups have also been finding innovative ways to socialise, hosting dinner parties and even Brownies meetings online.