Fiji records 805 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths
Fiji's Health Ministry permanent secretary James Fong said 316 new cases were recorded on December 30th 2021, 223 new cases were recorded on Friday December 31st 2021, and 266 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours ending at 8am Sunday January 2, 2022.
Dr James Fong. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt
Dr James Fong Fong said the first Covid-19 death was a 67 year-old male from Raiwaqa and the second death was a 76 year-old male from Nadawa who both died at home in respiratory distress.
The Fiji Times reports Dr Fong said both the deceased were fully vaccinated.
"While both these deaths occurred in individuals who have been immunised with two doses of vaccine, both had significant underlying medical conditions and were over the age of 50," he said.
He said persons over the age of 50, and those who have underlying medical conditions, are urged to come forward and have a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The Northern Marianas records four Covid-related deaths
The CNMI has posted four new Covid-related deaths.
The Governor's Covid-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation have confirmed the deaths.
Meanwhile, 10 people have been confirmed positive for Covid on December 28, 2021, and January 1, 2022, bringing the CNMI total to 3,297 cases since March 28, 2020.
This comes as the CNMI's vaccination rate is hovering around 94%.
More Covid-19 cases confirmed in Hawai'i
The Hawaii Department of Health officials reported 3,178 new confirmed and probable coronavirus infections, bringing the state's total since the start of the pandemic to 118,820 cases.
The Honolulu Advertiser reports no new virus-related fatalities were reported January 3, so the statewide Covid-19 death toll remains 1,094.
State health officials have been including probable infections in its total case counts. Probable infections include people who never received a confirmatory test but are believed to have had the virus because of their known exposure and symptoms or because of a positive antigen test.
Tonga police arrest 32 people over drug offences
The Tonga Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce made 32 arrests over the Christmas holiday period between 20-29 December 2021, at various locations on Tongatapu.
A total of 30.48 grams of methamphetamine, 72.74 grams of cannabis, 3.11 grams of cocaine, drugs utensils, and over $7,000 cash were seized during the arrests.
Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner, Halatoa Taufa, told Matangi Tonga online that two of the arrests included two male prisoners at Hu'atolitoli Prison found with 1.74 grams of meth and 3.11 grams of cocaine.
The other arrests were made in various locations around Tongatapu including Tofoa, 'Anana, Fanga, Veitongo, Tu'atakilangi, Folaha, Kolonga, Ha'akame, Nukunuku and Tatakamotonga.
Those arrested have been charged with a variety of offences including possession of illicit drugs, possession of drugs utensils, and disposing of illicit drugs.
All 32 are pending court appearances early in 2022, when their names will be called.
Tahiti's AS Pirae will play at the Club World Cup next year
FIFA says Tahiti's AS Pirae will play at the Club World Cup next year after Auckland City withdrew due to the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine measures required by the New Zealand government.
Auckland City also had to pull out of last year's edition in Qatar because of border restrictions.
AS Pirae will play UAE Pro League side Al Jazira in the first round for the right to meet AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal in the second round, with the winners of that match facing Chelsea in the semi-finals.
The Club World Cup will take place from February 3rd to the 12th in the United Arab Emirates.