Solomons seeing a fall in numbers in some regions; domestic flights suspended amid American Samoa surge; numbers continue to climb in the Cooks; Vanuatu numbers to 473, and other updates to come
Solomons seeing a fall in numbers in some regions
The Solomon Islands Minister of Health, Cullwick Togamana, says there are signs in much of the country that the impact of Covid-19 is lessening.
In his regular nationwide address last evening he said there had been 258 new cases of the virus in the country over the previous 48 hours.
This takes the tally of cases since the outbreak in January to 9,758.
But Mr Togamana says there have been no new deaths reported.
Several people, however, are in critical conditions in hospitals in Honiara and on Malaita.
Mr Togamana says parts of the country that were the first to report cases are now seeing declines.
He says the government's focus is now on rural and provincial areas where the ongoing challenge is providing equipment and staff.
Domestic flights suspended amid American Samoa surge
All flights to the Manu'a islands in American Samoa are suspended indefinitely to protect against the spread of Covid-19 after more than 800 cases have been recorded on the main island of Tutuila.
The American Samoa Department of Health is preventing passenger flights to the Manu'a group but allowing for medical evacuation and charter flights for medical supplies.
Photo: 123RF
All flight flights must be approved by Lieutenant Governor, Talauega Eleasalo Ale.
Sea cargo vessels will continue once a week or as required but all crew members must return a negative Covid-19 test 24 hours before travel.
Numbers continue to climb in the Cooks
Covid case numbers are climbing in the Cook Islands.
There are currently 430 active cases spread across Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with 852 people total in houehold quarantine.
To date there have been 604 cases in the Cook Islands, with 174 people recovered and out of isolation.
Its Ministry of Health expects soon there will be upwards of 100 new cases a day.
There are still no hospitalisations and people are only experiencing mild symptoms.
The Cooks' Prime Minister, Mark Brown, said they are prepared for case numbers to rise.
Meanwhile, the Cook Islands is following New Zealand's lead and will also be opening to Australian tourists from 12th April and the rest of the world from May.
Vanuatu numbers to 473
In the latest reporting period in Vanuatu, through to Wednesday, there were an additional 70 cases of Covid-19.
This takes the tally in the country this year to 473.
All of the additional cases occurred on Efate.
The government is pleading with people to follow the safety protocols.
It has imposed a curfew from 6pm to 6am in all commercial areas, while there is a ban on roadside food stalls and kava bars operating.