Vanuatu Head of State declares extension of State of Emergency

The Head of State President Tallis Obed Moses, has declared an extension of the State of Emergency (SoE) effective as of Tuesday 12 May, 2020 for 30 days

The declaration was issued on the advice of the Council of Ministers (COM).

The Declaration of State of Emergency Order No. 70 of 2020, states:

"In Exercise of the powers conferred on me by subsection 32(1) of the Disaster Risk Management Act Mo. 23 of 2019, I, His Excellency Tallis Obed Moses, President of the Republic of Vanuatu, on the advice of the Council of Ministers, make the following Declaration of State of Emergency.

"1. Extension of the Declaration of State of Emergency

Due to the severe impacts of Tropical Cyclone Harold and continuous global outbreak of COVID-19, an extension of the Declaration of State of Emergency is declared throughout the whole of Vanuatu.

"2. Period of State of Emergency

This extension of the Declaration of State of Emergency is for a period of 30 days from the date on which is made.

"3. Commencement

This Declaration of State of Emergency commences on the day on which it is made.

Vanuatu is taking every steps to ensure it minimizes every risks because it is one of the only countries in the world now that is still free from the deadly virus, the COVID-19.