State of emergency

The order still applies in Tokyo, Osaka and on the northern island of Hokkaido, where new cases are emerging daily.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan's rate of infection had reduced to one seventh of the country's peak.

He urged the public to be vigilant, wear masks, and keep following distancing guidance.

"If possible, before 31 May, we would like to lift the state of emergency for the other regions as well," Mr Abe said.

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

This declaration was made on the advice of the Council of Ministers (COM).

The Declaration of State of Emergency Order No. 46 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. Declaration of State of Emergency

The National Disaster Committee made the request in order to respond to the immediate needs of families impacted by Tropical Cyclone Harold. 

This was confirmed by caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai Tuesday afternoon. 

The Council of Ministers (COM) will meet before the end of the week to consider the request for the SOE extension that will address both COVID-19 and Harold, he said. 

Abe will likely announce his plans to declare the emergency on Monday, Japan time, the paper said, while Kyodo news agency said new measures would likely come into force on Wednesday.

Pressure had been mounting on the government to make the move as the pace of infections continues to accelerate - particularly in the capital - even though it remains slow for now compared with the United States, countries in Europe and China, where thousands have died.

The second last paragraph of the statement of the Caretaker Prime Minister (PM), Charlot Salwai, in relation to the SoE reads: “Stap home, protectem yu, bae yu stap safe oltaem” does not imply that all public servants are to stay home, the Public Service Commission (PSC) conveyed in a circular shared to all Director Generals and Directors to inform staff.

“This statement is to help prepare the public at large to develop and practice preparedness and prevention measures for COVID-19 situation in the country”.

All businesses have been ordered to close by 7.30pm.

All transportation and fuel stations in Vanuatu are prohibited to operate after 9pm.

A declaration of the State of Emergency was signed by President Talis Moses Obed on Thursday.

Under the State of Emergency Regulation Order No.35 of 2020, all retail and wholesale shops, kava bars, nightclubs, casinos, bars and restaurants are not essential services.

Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.

Obed Moses Tallis made the declaration this morning in Port Vila.

Earlier in the week the Council of Minister's had agreed to the declaration saying it was necessary to allow the government to mobilise resources and access funds to properly prepare the country.

There are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Vanuatu, but the island of Aneitum in the country's south was in lockdown after a tourist from a cruise ship which visited the island, tested positive for the coronavirus.

Government officials have given an update on the the Covid-19 national response, the latest health update, border issues and an essential services update.

Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said there were now 205 confirmed and probably cases, and there had been a total of 9780 tests undertaken so far.

Eight people who arrived in Auckland airport yesterday tested positive for Covid-19.

The cyclone which formed in Tuvaluan waters got as strong as a category three system - also affecting Fiji and Tonga.

The director of Tuvalu's disaster management office, Sumeo Silu, said based on initial reports about half of the country's population had been severely affected by the cyclone.

Food security was a major concern given ocean waves, whipped up by the storm, inundated gardens and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged banana and breadfruit trees, he said.