More than 10,000 people in the CNMI vaccinated, Samoa authorities seize meth shipment, Lucas causes major damage in New Caledonia, and more.
Photo: AFP
10,000 vaccinated in the CNMI
The Northern Marianas continues its Covid-19 vaccine rollout with over 10,000 residents already vaccinated as of Wednesday, according to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC).
The CHCC said a total of 10,644 residents on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian have been vaccinated with either the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or the Moderna vaccine.
Broken down, 7,267 residents have already completed their first dose, while 3,337 have completed their second dose.
The leadership of Governor Ralph Torres during the pandemic has also been praised in an article by RealClear Health.
Meanwhile, an additional Covid-19 case was reported in the CNMI last Monday bringing the U.S. territory's total coronavirus cases to 133.
The individual was identified by travel screening and confirmed diagnosis through testing upon arrival.
Out of the 133 total Covid-19 cases, the CHCC said 107 were identified by travel screening while 26 were local transmissions.
There's been no local transmission for 167 days.
Samoa authorities seize big meth shipment
Samoan authorities have seized 900 grams of methamphetamine at the border.
Pac News reports that it was a joint operation between the Ministry of Customs & Revenue and the Ministry of Police & Prison.
A joint statement released by the government agencies said the drugs were split into two vacuum-packed bags and concealed inside boxes of cereal.
In December 2020, the same agencies intercepted and seized more than 500grams of methamphetamine.
The latest bust is said by Customs to be linked to the same shipment as the December consignment.
The seizure resulted in the referral of a Customs officer to police for his suspected involvement in this shipment.
He has been charged under the Customs Act 2014 for importation of prohibited goods.
Cyclone Lucas leaves damages in New Caledonia
Tropical Cyclone Lucas caused major damage in New Caledonia when it made its away across the territory.
The cyclone was a category two when it tore through the French territory.
The territory's south in particular experienced bad weather.
The system passed close to the capital Noumea, as well as the Isle of Pines.
Journalist, Andre Qaeze, said the cyclone caused flooding, felled trees, and damaged homes as well as buildings in the territory.
Cyclone Lucas has now been downgraded to a tropical low.