Quarantine-free entry into New Zealand expected to help Niuean health issues, the Solomons hopes to start Covid-19 vaccinations next week and set backs for runway repairs of the Cook Islands international airport.
Photo: Brett Phibbs / PhibbsVisuals
Optimism quarantine-free entry into NZ will help Niuean health issues
Niue's Director General of Social Services says quarantine-free entry into New Zealand for Niueans helps solve a number of health issues on the island.
Over the weekend the New Zealand Government announced from 24 March quarantine-free travel with Niue would be re-established.
Gaylene Tasmania said it was good news because some patients had starting opting out of their follow-up appointments in Auckland because of quarantine requirements.
She said the voucher system used for quarantine positions made the situation worse because of their limited availability.
Tasmania said while it was quarantine-free entry into New Zealand, when travellers returned to Niue they would be required to undergo 14 days in isolation.
Solomon Islands aims to start Covid vaccinations next week
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the country could start Covid-19 vaccination next week.
A first batch of Astrazeneca vaccines was due to arrive in the country this week, following which health authorities would seek a swift rollout.
Meanwhile, parliament is to deliberate on a new Public Health Emergency Bill to replace the State of Public Emergency legislation which expires next week.
Transparency Solomon Islands' Ruth Liloqula said they welcomed the new health emergency legislation.
She said the State of Public Emergency law put too much power in the hands of a few people. Liloqula said this raised questions about transparency and accountability of public funds.
Rarotonga airport repairs hit a snag
Long-awaited runway repairs at Rarotonga International Airport are behind schedule, as the Cook Islands government continues to push for quarantine-free travel with New Zealand.
About 60 concrete slabs on Rarotonga's runway have cracks need to be repaired, with up to 20 in the main traffic area considered those worst affected.
The goal had been to repair two slab each week, with the work to be done by the end of March, but that deadline has now been pushed back.
Airport Authority chief executive Joseph Ngamata told local media there's not enough time to cure concrete between international flights.
With an increase in the number of flights, he said the contractor had to change the materials used and to undergo training on new equipment.
Tonga extends State of Emergency
Tonga's Declaration of a State of Emergency and Covid-19 national restrictions have been renewed for another month.
The renewal was declared by Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, which started this week and would continue through to Monday 12 April.
The night time curfew will continue from 12 midnight to 5 o'clock in the morning.
Mass gatherings are not to exceed a total of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, except for religious services and education institutions.
Funeral gatherings are also restricted to a total of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors with an authorised officer to be present throughout.
Social distancing of 1.5 metres and practising personal hand hygiene must be followed at all times.