CORONAVIRUS WEEK 4 - COVID19 PACIFIC UPDATE

We're now into the 4th week since the World Health Organisation upgraded the Coronavirus to a Pandemic.  We will be updating this page with Pacific Islands updates for our community here in New Zealand and around the Pacific.  To catch up on updates from Week 1 click here , Week 2 click here & Week 3 click here 

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FRIDAY 10th APRIL 

NEW ZEALAND - A Christchurch woman in her 90s who was living in the Rosewood rest home is the country's second death from Covid-19, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.  

Director of Public Health Caroline McElnay said the "frail" woman could not have family around her in her last couple of days, because they were not allowed at the facility in Burwood Hospital.  "However, hospital staff were able to provide her with comfort and support, and we thank them for that"

McElnay also said the number of new cases in New Zealand has risen to 44 - 23 new confirmed and 21 new probable cases. The country's current total of Covid-19 cases is 1283.  Fourteen of the new cases are linked to existing clusters around the country. There are 12 remaining clusters in New Zealand.

Marist College again had no increase of confirmed cases.  Their total remains at 84.

There are now 16 people in hospital with the coronavirus - four are in ICU and two are in a critical condition, in the Southern and Waitemata DHB areas.

Watch the full Ministry of Health update below - 

- All travellers entering New Zealand from overseas from midnight 9 April 2020 are required to undergo fourteen days of isolation in managed isolation in government-provided facilities (hotel) in the city they arrive into, either Auckland or Christchurch. Visit here for more information. 

- All WoFs and CoFs, driver licences, and vehicle certifications that expired on or after 1 January 2020 will be deemed current for 6 months from 10 April. Visit here for more information. 

- Where councils have suspended recycle collections, households are being asked to hold or stockpile recycling to reduce overflow at kerbside.

- Police are reminding people at risk of family violence that if they need to leave their home they can, and that their safety is the number one priority.  

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AUSTRALIA - Confirmed cases today 6,170 and 53 deaths

- The national death toll has reached 53 as police warn people to stay at home.  NSW records its 22nd death and Victoria records its 13th death 

- Australia reported its lowest number of new cases in three weeks yesterday, with 96 people diagnosed since the last update, nationally. It was the first time in three weeks Australia’s new cases have dropped below 100. 

- The 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership is set to resume on May 28 following yesterday's announcement by the ARL Commission. The NRL will be one of the first major Rugby League competitions to restart following the COVID-19 pandemic.  

- The NSW Arts Minister has been fined $1000 for breaching lockdown laws.  

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HAWAI'I - There were only seven new confirmed cases of coronavirus reported by the state Department of Health today, bringing Hawaii's total to 442 cases.  County by countdown breakdown here 

- Police Chief Susan Ballard has announced a curfew for Oahu during Easter weekend, from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The curfew means that no one will be allowed to use any mode of transportation ― from vehicles to motorcycles to bikes ― on any roads on Oahu unless they fall into a limited number of exceptions.  The curfew will be completely lifted Monday morning.

- Mass Covid19 testing is underway on Mauii. This comes a day after the Hawaii department of Health revealed 15 employees tested positive at Maui Memorial Medical Centre.  DOH says outbreak began in mid-March.  

- Lawmakers want changes to keep visitors out of Hawaii during the pandemic.  Full story here 

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PACIFIC ISLANDS 

** Total of 673  cases confirmed in the Pacific & 12 deaths - 11 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (2 deaths),  16 in Fiji, 51 in French Polynesia, 128 in Guam (4 deaths), 442 in Hawai'i (6 deaths), 18 in New Caledonia, 2 in Papua New Guinea & 5 in Rapa Nui **  

15 nations & territories in the Pacific remain Coronavirus FREE 

> The European Union will redirect $US130 million to respond to the coronavirus pandemic in the Pacific.  Full story here <

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COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS - Gov. Ralph DLG Torres took to Facebook yesterday via a live video feed to announce that the Commonwealth Health Care Corp. has broken ground on a project to build a temporary hospital that will be used to handle COVID-19-related cases, should an outbreak happen in the CNMI.  

The field hospital, to be located at the upper level parking lot behind the Commonwealth Health Center, will be used as a preparedness and infection control measure in the event the CNMI experiences a wave of patients who need isolation hospital care due to the coronavirus.  No change in positive CNMI positive numbers today.  Full story here 

FIJI - After testing another 32 samples, today,  Fiji received confirmation of another COVID-positive case that they had been anticipating: the 9-year-old granddaughter of the gentleman in Labasa who traveled from India.

Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama said:  Despite Cyclone Herald, Fiji's coronavirus containment measures –– which depend heavily on testing, tracing, and isolating new cases - continue in full-swing. Today, we received confirmation of our latest case of Covid19.  His full statement here

One hundred and twenty-six (126) arrests were made in the last 24hours with curfew and social gathering breaches continuing to be a concern in the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Fiji.

FRENCH POLYNESIA - To date, there have been no new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in French Polynesia. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 51.

First cured case of Covid-19 is expected to be announced tomorrow. This is the Swiss tourist who has returned home. There could be other cases of cured now, announces the Minister of Health. He reminds that exams are necessary to confirm the healing of some people. 

GUAM - Today there were three people who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, bringing Guam's overall total to 128.

- The government of Guam in recent days has cleared land for 500 more graves at the island’s public cemetery in Piti in anticipation of mass casualties from the COVID-19 pandemic, said John Burch, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, which operates the site.  Full story here 

NEW CALEDONIA - reports no changes in their numbers.  Confirmed cases still 18 with 1 person in intensive care.

SAMOA - Samoa’s population of senior citizens are thankful for an extra one-off $300 payment included in the economic relief package passed by Parliament on Tuesday.  Full story here 

SOLOMON ISLANDS -Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has banned the movement of small watercraft across his country's shared maritime border with Papua New Guinea.  Mr Sogavare's ban on border movements was announced on Thursday as one of two new emergency orders under the country's Covid-19 State of Public Emergency.

TONGA - Tonga was the latest island group to feel the force of Tropical Cyclone Harold yesterday and is now in recovery mode.  One of the most notable locations in Tonga, a popular resort in Kanokupolu, has been damaged by Cyclone Harold.  Full story here 

Cover image of Ruins of Blue Banana Beach House, West Tongatapu, PC:  ToddHenry Photo 

VANUATU - About 200 men with 40 chainsaws from Narongo and nearby villages 26km from Luganville town started clearing roads for access to shops & hospital over 2 days after Tropical Cyclone Harold hit.  A half day's work clearing the hospital compound.  

Keep Vanuatu in your prayers as they slowly rebuild and recover while trying to keep safe from Covid19.

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THURSDAY 9th APRIL 

NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand has recorded just 29 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, but the prime minister says a decision on changing the alert level will only be made two days before the lockdown ends.  It is the fourth day in a row there has been a day-on-day drop.  Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said there are 23 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 and six probable cases in New Zealand today. That brings the total number of cases to 1239. 

Marist College Cluster recorded no new cases and remains at 84.  Pacific Islanders in NZ confirmed cases here via Pacific Media Network - 

The 15 days since lockdown look like this: 78, 85, 83, 63, 76, 58, 61, 89, 71, 82, 89, 67, 54, 50, and today 29.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced mandatory supervised quarantine for every person arriving in NZ.  

Watch the full Ministry of Health update from Dr Ashley Bloomfield and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern below via RNZ.

-  While we are in Alert Level 4, some people may need to travel outside their local area to support a loved one in need. People will only get permission to travel in rare circumstances. See here for more information. 

- Onward domestic flights and overland travel for recently arrived New Zealanders has been paused while a review is underway. Recent arrivals must stay in their current managed-isolation accommodation.

- The Minister of Education announced a learning from home package yesterday ahead of Term 2 starting on 15 April. $87.7 million of  emergency funding will be used to roll out the package. See Hon Chris Hipkins and Hon Kelvin Davis announcements here.

- A list of providers (updated daily) who are available to deliver childcare in the homes of essential workers is available here. They are completely government-funded and are available to start work now. 

- All supermarkets will be closed on Good Friday and some supermarkets will be open on Easter Sunday. Check with your local supermarket to find out what hours they will be operating.

- Auckland Mayor Phil Goff announced that if you are struggling to afford groceries or are in self-isolation with no access to support networks, you can phone Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 96 between 7am and 7pm, 7 days a week to receive a food parcel.

- A South Auckland marae has also launched a drive-through food bank for those in need.  Full story here

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AUSTRALIA - Confirmed cases today 6,079 and 51 deaths

- Australian parliament has passed a $130bn jobkeeper package.

- Special arrangements are being made to help Australians out of other countries, including the Philippines, India and Nepal, and Michael McCormack is helping facilitate discussions with Qantas and Virgin.  There are also talks about what to use as the transfer hubs – LA, NZ among them.

- The NRL league’s innovation committee is due to report to the ARLC today with a restart in May having received the backing of the NSW government. The most likely solution to getting the 2020 season back underway is for a shortened 15-round competition to be given the green light, with teams to be temporarily relocated to a hub in western Sydney.  Full story here.

- An order for 2,000 more ventilators have been announced.

- The NSW police have raided the Covid19 struck Ruby Princess - more details below.

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HAWAI'I - The total number of coronavirus cases statewide stands at 435.  The State has also reported its sixth death and the 2nd in Maui, the 4 other deaths were on Oahu.  County by county breakdown is below.

- Over the last three days, the number of visitors coming to the islands has gone up. On Sunday, there were 126 but on Tuesday, the number was 160.  Responding to calls to petition the White House to stop non-essential travel to Hawaii, Ige said he’s spoken extensively to the FAA and determined there is no way to shut down the airport system.  Full story here 

- As the shutdown continues, Hawaii passes an ominous milestone:  200,000 unemployment claims.

- Department of Education has said there would need to be no new Coronavirus cases before public schools can reopen.

- 6 crew members on cruise ship at Honolulu Harbour have tested positive for Covid-19

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PACIFIC ISLANDS 

** Total of 662 cases confirmed in the Pacific & 12 deaths - 11 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (2 deaths),  15 in Fiji, 51 in French Polynesia, 125 in Guam (4 deaths), 435 in Hawai'i (6 deaths), 18 in New Caledonia, 2 in Papua New Guinea & 5 in Rapa Nui **  

15 nations & territories in the Pacific remain Coronavirus FREE 

> Pacific health authorities are playing a waiting game for Covid-19 test results as most island nations and territories don't have on-island testing for the coronavirus.  Full story here  <

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COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS - Three more persons tested positive for the coronavirus yesterday, soon after the second COVID-19-related death in the CNMI on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. The three individuals include two males, ages 45 and 53, and one 53-year-old female. The new cases raise the CNMI’s total of positive coronavirus cases to 11. Source:  Saipan Tribune

FIJI - Dr I Waqainabete says Fiji has 15 confirmed cases (no change in numbers) of COVID19 and they are all stable.

The office of the Prime Minister reminds the public:  Tropical Cyclone Harold may be gone, but Covid19 is still in our midst.  The Fijian Prime Minister has visited certain health centres and affected areas in Suva to see first-hand the damages caused. Remember, if you are feeling any flu-like symptoms, visit a fever clinic or call 158.

Fiji's Prime Minister shares this message - 

FRENCH POLYNESIA - Four new cases were detected today in Tahiti, bringing the total to 51.   744 tests have been analysed since the start of the epidemic (+ 49 since yesterday).
One person is now hospitalized (-1), no death has been reported.  Source:  TNTV

GUAM - Today there were four people who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, bringing Guam's overall total to 125.  

- The Federal Emergency Management Agency will send 24 doctors and nurses to Guam, 100 hospital bed stations and thousands of protective masks, gloves, gowns and face shields, according to Guam Del. Mike San Nicolas.  Full story here 

- Health workers in Guam are worried about the US decision to move thousands of sailors from the stricken USS Theodore Roosevelt onto the island. US media is focused on the removal of the ship’s captain rather the effects on indigenous Chamoru.  Full Story here 

NEW CALEDONIA - reports no changes in their numbers.  Confirmed cases still 18 with 1 person in intensive care.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - The Bougainville Covid-199 health response team is waiting for a flight from Port Moresby to take samples from two possibly infected people to Port Moresby for testing.  Full story here 

SAMOA - Japan has pledged US$643,061 ($1.82m) to assist the Samoan government procure medical equipment in its coronavirus pandemic response.  Full story here 

The Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers have invoked the Biketawa Declaration, in a bid to collectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This was highlighted in a press release issued by the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Secretariat on Wednesday.  Full story here 

SOLOMON ISLANDS - Senior specialist at the NRH and the President of Solomon Islands Medical Association Dr. Claude Posala has been sacked today for what the Government depicts as distributing conflicting data identifying with COVID-19 that are likewise provocative against the Government.

VANUATU - New Zealand is to provide assistance to Vanuatu following Tropical Cyclone Harold.  It is expected that Vanuatu faces a 12-month recovery from the damage caused.  Full story here.

- At least two people died in Vanuatu in Tropical Harold that has also left a trail of destruction in Fiji, Solomon Islands and is battering Tonga. Australia's offered help to assess the damage and with relief supplies.  World Vision's Kendra Gates Derousseau was on an assessment flight.

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WEDNESDAY 8th APRIL 

NEW ZEALAND - Pacific Island confirmed cases in New Zealand has increased to 43 with Marist College still being the highest cluster now up to 84 confirmed cases.  Ethnicity breakdown has not been given in regards to the clusters yet.  They will be widening the testing to test people who are not showing symptoms to see if they are pre-symptomatic.

- There are 50 new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, 26 confirmed and 24 probable. 12 people are in hospital, four are in intensive care and two of them are in a critical condition.  The new total of confirmed and probable cases in NZ is 1210. Dr Ashley Bloomfield says 14% of cases are still being investigated for community transmission.

- Seventeen nurses and seven doctors have Covid-19, some linked to overseas travel.

- A NZ Airforce P3 Orion is heading to Vanuatu & Fiji to survey Cyclone Harold damage & a C130 Hercules preparing to leave Auckland with urgent aid.

- Churches and places of worship will remain closed this Easter weekend, says PM Jacinda Ardern. She is encouraging people to utilise online church services. "Stay home and save lives."

- The PM says Air NZ has made 17 flights in the past week to places like Hong Kong and Shanghai and will do more in the coming weeks to deliver food and also pick up cargo and supplies like hand sanitizer, flu vaccinations and test kits.

Watch the full Ministry of Health update below - 

- Social media misinformation about Covid-19 is putting Pacific communities in New Zealand at particular risk, government advisors say.  Full story here 

- Supermarkets must be closed on Good Friday and can be open on Easter Sunday. 

- A spokesperson for New Zealand's Covid-19 Pacific Response Team says a huge increase in non-clinical providers will be necessary to deliver ongoing healthcare to the community.  Full story here 

- Joseph Parker stays winning with his entertaining videos - here's his latest: 

- Under Alert Level 4 people can access essential and necessary medical care. Where needed that includes being able to travel both locally or across regions to access appropriate treatments. 

- The Ministry is seeking expressions of interest from health and care support workers who are looking for paid work, or health organisations who need to employ extra workers as part of the response to COVID-19. See here for more information. 

- New Zealand will enter into transit arrangements with a range of countries to make it easier for each other’s citizens to get home. See here for more information. 

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AUSTRALIA - Confirmed cases today 5,983 and 49 deaths

- Victoria has recorded its 12th death from Covid19 bringing the country wide total to 49.

- Education ministers met yesterday through Education Council and it was agreed that Year 12 students will get a leaving certificate for 2020 and there would be no mass repeating of Year 12.  Each state and territory is responsible for their government schools and is also responsible for awarding senior secondary certificates in their jurisdiction.

- More than 400 criminal justice experts including former Victorian attorney-general Rob Hulls and Nauru supreme court judge Dr Ian Freckleton QC have signed an open letter calling for the widespread screening of prisoners for Covid-19 and immediate hospitalisation of any prisoner or detainee showing symptoms.  

“One of the recommendations requires the limited release of Indigenous people as a top priority.  Governments should release Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from prisons and youth detention, due to our high vulnerability to the severe and critical impacts of COVID-19.”

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HAWAI'I - The state is reporting 23 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 410.  The death toll in Hawaii stands at five, with no new fatalities reported Tuesday.  The new numbers come as Honolulu police pledge stricter enforcement of the stay-at-home order, and the governor pledges tougher mandates if residents don’t follow the rules.  “We need to stop the spread. We need to stop it now,” Gov. David Ige said, in a news conference Monday.  Full story here 

The county by county case breakdown is as follows:

- 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.

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PACIFIC ISLANDS 

** Total of 626 cases confirmed in the Pacific & 11 deaths all in US territories - 8 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (2 deaths),  15 in Fiji, 47 in French Polynesia, 121 in Guam (4 deaths), 410 in Hawai'i (5 deaths), 18 in New Caledonia, 2 in Papua New Guinea & 5 in Rapa Nui **  

15 nations & territories in the Pacific remain Coronavirus FREE 

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COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS - A second patient who tested positive for COVID-19 died yesterday at the Commonwealth Health Center, according to a statement from the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force.  The patient was a 77-year-old woman who was seen at CHC last March 28 and was considered to be a “person under investigation.”  As of today there are eight confirmed cases.

- The CNMI will be one of four states and two U.S. territories that will be getting ventilators on loan from California.  The White House said Monday that 500 ventilators on loan from California will be shipped to Nevada, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam as the nation faces a crush of coronavirus-related hospitalizations.  Full story here 

FIJI - No new cases reported in Fiji as their focus has shifted momentarily to staying safe from Cyclone Harold.  

The worst of Tropical Cyclone Harold will strike Fiji through this afternoon. Viti Levu’s roads are closed to travel. Flying debris and floodwaters can be deadly. All Fijians should stay indoors unless directed to evacuate. Stay safe, Fiji.  

Fijian Government has stated:  "All movements on Viti Levu is now RESTRICTED with ONLY Emergency Services allowed on the road. This is to avoid casualties as Tropical Cyclone is currently a Category 4 system.  We are advising members of the public to PLEASE stay indoors for your own safety.  

Strong winds and rough seas experienced on Bau island this morning. #TimesNews #FijiNews #TCHarold VC: TEPOLA VUETIBAU pic.twitter.com/MYHOzw2jLJ

— The Fiji Times (@fijitimes) April 7, 2020

The Prime Minister also tweeted and said that Tropical Cyclone Harold is already levelling buildings and flooding communities across Fiji. If you have been directed to evacuate, do so. Evacuation centers are sanitised and monitored to ensure they do not surpass capacity. Close contacts under Covid19 quarantine will not mix with others.

Many of our roads are currently flooded, so avoid physical harm from debris or infection from these waters and stay away from floodwaters. Flood-affected roads include those in: Suva, Tavua, Bau & Lautoka

FRENCH POLYNESIA - Five new cases of Covid-19 have been screened since yesterday, bringing the number of people affected by the virus in French Polynesia to 47 for 694 cases since the start of the epidemic. Three people are hospitalized (+1 compared to Monday).  Each confirmed case is the subject of an investigation by the Office of public health surveillance.

- An Air Tahiti Nui airliner has returned to Papeete with 130 cubic metres of medical supplies procured in China to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.  Full story here 

GUAM - Today there were eight people who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, bringing Guam's overall total to 121.  

- This total could rise even more with Guam expecting at least 4,600 COVID-19 test kits, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said they want to add more people the government's list of people who get tested.  Currently, because of the lack of test kits, the Guam Public Health Laboratory is only testing people who meet certain criteria.

NEW CALEDONIA - For the third consecutive day, no new cases of covid-19 have been identified in the territory. A total of 18 people have been infected since the start of the epidemic. 

1 patient among the 17 infected was able to return home, recovered. 1 patient is still in intensive care at the Médipôle. 2,320 tests have been carried out since the start of the epidemic on the territory. 184 people are currently placed in quarantine for 14 days, at Cise or at home.  

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - The governor of Papua New Guinea's East New Britain province says police will enforce lockdown measures in several wards where a confirmed covid-19 case has been present.  

ABC Australia correspondent Natalie Whiting says there will be another press conference this morning in where they are hoping to get some more details about the second case of covid-19. In particular how the woman may have contracted it and what tracing is underway to determine that. More information on the case here:

SAMOA - Samoa's Office of The Regulator has moved to address social media claims there is a link between 5G mobile phone technology and the Covid-19 coronavirus.  Full story here 

- There were smiles all around on Wednesday morning for families reunited with their loved ones after they were isolated and quarantined for 14 days.  Full story here   Video of last day in quarantine shared below - 

Quarantine at Mulifanua 🇼🇸✨ tomorrow is their final day before they get released to go home at 4pm ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pmaixVJKFA

— Lotz 🥥🌴 (@lotzNlotz) April 7, 2020

SOLOMON ISLANDS - The Solomon Islands parliament has extended the country's state of public emergency until July.  Full story here

TONGA - Tropical Cyclone Harold is expected to arrive in Tonga tomorrow morning around 6am.  A severe Tropical Cyclone warning remains inforce for Tongatapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua.

VANUATU - Communication is still proving difficult with much of Vanuatu, but early signs are grim.  

Vanuatu is used to disasters – it is ranked the most vulnerable country in the world to natural disasters – and in the past week alone, the NDMO has been dealing simultaneously with flooding and volcanic ash fall. But there are fears that the dual emergencies of Harold and the coronavirus may be too much for vulnerable island state.  Full story via the Guardian here

Some damage pictures below out of Vanuatu via Riley Doxsee 

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TUESDAY 7th APRIL 

NEW ZEALAND - The Government is stepping up efforts to help protect New Zealand’s Pacific communities in the fight against COVID-19.

Cabinet has agreed that $17 million will be allocated to support a COVID-19 Pacific Response Package, which will:

• Support Pacific health and disability services facing increased demand;
• Ramp up public health messaging and guidance for Pacific communities in Pacific languages;
• Roll out a new outreach programme putting non-clinical health support staff into Pacific communities, linking high-risk Pacific people with important services.

“New Zealand mobilised quickly against COVID-19 by locking the country down and encouraging people to stay at home. However, our Pacific communities face unique challenges that require a targeted response to keep our communities well and out of hospital emergency rooms,” Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa said.

Read the full government press release from Hon. Jenny Salesa here.

- There are 32 new confirmed cases and 22 probable cases in New Zealand, confirms Dr Ashley Bloomfield. There are no additional deaths and 241 people have recovered.  12 people are in hospital – four of them are in ICU. One of them is in a critical condition. New Zealand is now at 1,160 Covid-19 cases in total.  PM Jacinda Ardern says the Covid-19 case rates in New Zealand suggest level four lock down is working. She says this is not the time to change any of our level four lock down behaviours.

- Even though there is an Easter Holiday – the PM Jacinda Ardern says the same rules of alert level four apply - stay local. Dr Ashley Bloomfield says “have a staycation” over the Easter break.  Dr Ashley Bloomfield has given an update on the number of breaches of the lockdown reported by police. "There have been 291 breaches of the CDEM Act or the Health Act, 16 people have been prosecuted, 263 warnings and 10 youth referrals"

- Flu vaccinations have started for people at greater risk of serious illness and healthcare and other frontline workers.  Vaccination for the wider public will be available later in April.

- A new mental health campaign "Getting through together" has been launched to help Kiwis care for their mental health during the Covid-19 crisis. See more information here. 

Watch the full Ministry of Health update here:

AUSTRALIA - Confirmed cases today 5,881 and 45 deaths

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is making significant progress and they've avoided the thousands or tens of thousands of cases that could have happened with community transmission.  "The daily growth rate has been brought down but we must hold the course, he says. We must lock in these gains. It is providing us with much-needed time. We have so far avoided the horror scenarios we have seen overseas."

- South Australia recorded its first Covid19 death.  A 75 yr old Adelaide man is said to have contracted the disease interstate.

- Victoria recoreded 33 new cases a jump up from yesterdays 23.

- Victorian schools will reopen next Wednesday but the vast majority of students will be asked to learn from home.  Children of essential workers and students for whom online learning isn't an option are still able to attend school campuses.

- NSW recorded 3 deaths overnight bringing their total to 21.

HAWAI'I - More than 14,000 people in the islands have been tested for coronavirus and roughly 3% have tested positive for coronavirus.  Today there were 16 new cases reported bringing the State wide total to 387  Full story here 

- Maui County has reported its first COVID-19 death.  Maui Mayor Mike Victorino said the patient was an “older” adult male with underlying health conditions.  Full story here 

- Defying orders to stay home, residents showed up on Monday morning to oppose the controversial Waimanalo Park project which members of the Native Hawaiian community say would amount to desecration of the aina, or land.  Full story here 

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PACIFIC ISLANDS 

** Total of 590 cases confirmed in the Pacific & 10 deaths all in US territories - 8 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (1 death),  15 in Fiji, 42 in French Polynesia, 113 in Guam (4 deaths), 387 in Hawai'i (5 deaths), 18 in New Caledonia, 2 in Papua New Guinea & 5 in Rapa Nui **  

15 nations & territories in the Pacific remain Coronavirus FREE 

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COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS - People are able to fish again but with the requirement that they maintain a distance of 6 feet away from each other. Beaches and parks now open to the public, and so are boat ramps and docks, but with social distancing still in effect.

- Following the eight positive COVID-19 cases last April 2, Bautista confirmed that, as of April 6, at 4pm, there are currently no new “persons under investigation” in the CNMI.  A total of 118 individuals who have completed the mandatory 14-day quarantine will be released from the Pacific Island Club isolation site in San Antonio this week, April 6 to April 12.  Full story here 

- Pacific Mini Games in the CNMI next year are set to be postponed to avoid Olympic clash.

FIJI - There are now 15 cases of COVID-19 in Fiji. All patients remain in stable condition.  After testing another 25 samples overnight at their molecular lab, medical staff have confirmed a single new case of COVID-19 in Fiji.  "Our newly-confirmed case of coronavirus is the husband of an existing patient from Lautoka –– the Zumba classmate of patient number one." - Prime Minister Hon.  Voreqe Bainimarama.  Click the link here to read the PM's full statement:

- The 1st Covid19 case in Fiji had direct contacts with 165 pple, infecting 5 pple. 2nd, from Nadera had 30 contacts, all in isolation. 3rd cluster, man from Labasa, had 838 contacts, infecting seven people. 4th case, the 20 year old from Nadi, had limited contacts.

- Fiji is now on standby for Tropical Cyclone Harold which is on its way after wreaking havoc in Vanuatu.

FRENCH POLYNESIA - A new case has been detected today in Tahiti, outside Pape'ete - the village of Papara - bringing to 42 the number of cases of people affected by Covid-19 in French Polynesia from 618 screenings since the start of the epidemic.  2 people are now hospitalized (+1 compared to yesterday). The hospitalized patient was placed in the intensive care unit.   Full story here 

GUAM - Today there was one individual who tested positive for the Covid19 virus, bringing Guam's overall total to 113.  

The Department of Public Health and Social Services tested 13 individuals for COVID-19 today with conclusive results, with 12 testing negative for SARS-CoV-2.   Of those, 25 patients have recovered. Four have died. All 84 remaining cases are in isolation.  Full update here

NEW CALEDONIA - 3 tests were carried out this morning and none were found to be positive. More than 2,000 tests have been carried out since the start of the epidemic. 18 people have tested positive in Caledonia since March 18.  Source: Les Nouvelles Caledoniennes

- A suburb of New Caledonia's capital Noumea has also declared a nightly curfew with immediate effect.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - The Papua New Guinea province of East New Britain has been placed on lockdown after the country's second Covid-19 case was confirmed there. Police Minister Bryan Kramer says East New Britain COVID19 case has not flown anywhere in 14 days. No cruise ships have disembarked in ENB for two weeks. This points to conclusion that local transmission is likely happening. Kramer says search is now on for ENB index patient.  Full story here 

RAPA NUI - There has been anger on Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, at the Chilean government's early lifting of the island's Covid-19 quarantine.  Authorities on the Chilean administered island have rejected the central government's ruling to cut short the island's Covid-19 quarantine.  Full story here 

SAMOA - Hundreds of businesses in Samoa have been forced to cut working hours of staff because of loss of revenue due to the covid-19 pandemic.

- A near $40 million economic stimulus package for the coronavirus downturn will form the bulk of a supplementary budget presented in parliament today, the Samoa Observer can reveal

VANUATU - A category five cyclone made landfall on Vanuatu in the early hours of this morning causing damage across large parts of the country, as it tries to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak.  No deaths have been reported so far.

“Communications to Santo and Malekula [Vanuatu’s two largest islands] are cut now, so we don’t know what’s happening,” said Eric Durpaire, the chief of Vanuatu’s field office for Unicef Pacific, over the phone from the country’s capital of Port Vila. “The latest information we had was that the roof of the municipality building of Santo has collapsed and there is flooding.”

There are fears that any recovery efforts after the cyclone has passed through will be hampered by the restrictions on international travel due to the coronavirus.  “Restrictions to international borders and travellers won’t be lifted after the cyclone. Humanitarian workers who wanted to come and assist, won’t be able to, or they will have to do 14 days quarantine,” said Durpaire.

Full story here 

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MONDAY 6th APRIL 

NEW ZEALAND  -  If you go to a testing station you don’t need to get out of your car, you can stay safely in your vehicle and they can swab you there - like a drive thru. No car, you’re a walk-in? No problem, they can still test you.  In case you missed it over the weekend, Otara opened a testing station on Saturday.

- A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help deliver food packs to children's homes in Auckland and Wellington.  Full story here 

 - 39 new confirmed cases and 28 new probable cases of Covid-19 in NZ, says Dr Ashley Bloomfield. There are no additional deaths, 176 people have recovered. The new combined total of confirmed and probables cases is 1106.  

There are currently 12 significant clusters of Covid-19 in NZ. The newest cluster is linked to the Rosewood resthome in Christchurch - 15 confirmed and probables cases among residents and staff. Marist College in Auckland remains the largest cluster with 72 cases.

The Ministry of Health completed 3,709 Covid-19 tests yesterday – the highest number of tests in one single day. 43% of cases have a direct link to overseas travel, 38% are close contacts of a confirmed case, 2% is classified as Community Transmission.

Ashley Bloomfield says they are looking at mandatory quarantine at the border after the lock down lifts.  

37,000 people have registered saying they want to leave NZ. 22 thousand Kiwis are registered with Safe Travel as still being overseas.

Watch the full Ministry of Health update below:

- The Government has launched a WhatsApp channel for people to find information about COVID-19. See here for more information. 

Update on new school holidays dates:

- The Ministry of Education is supporting essential workers who are in need of childcare services by working with home-based providers who can offer care for children aged 0-14.

- The Minister of Education has changed the school holidays for 2020 to start earlier during the lockdown period. School holidays started on Saturday 28 March and schools will start back for Term 2 on Wednesday 15 April.  They are supporting all state sector and state integrated schools, and early learning services, to implement or continue with distance learning from the start of Term 2.

- During the lockdown, school buildings and playgrounds are closed, unless the buildings have been approved for a special use by the Secretary for Education and the Ministry is providing regular updates to schools, early learning services and tertiary students and providers. These Bulletins are available at Education.govt.nz. 

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There are currently 33 Pacific cases in NZ out of a total of 1039 as at the end of the weekend.

AUSTRALIA - Confirmed cases today 5,687 and 37 deaths

- NSW ports have been directed to provide berth and port facilities for the Coronavirus stricken ship for a period of ten days.  

- Of the 5,687 cases, NSW has 2,637 confirmed cases.

- Police in Victoria have fined 108 people for breaching quarantine and social distancing laws in the past 24 hours.  They have also conducted 983 checks on “homes, businesses, and non-essential services”, a statement said.  Since these laws came into force on 21 March, police in Victoria have conducted 14,275 spot checks.

- Queensland Police have created a Social Distancing chart for that State.

HAWAI'I - Today's update now shows 20 new cases in Hawaii. The state’s total is now at 371.  Health officials also counted the states 4th apparent COVID-19 related death, which was initially reported Saturday.  The fourth death, according to the Department of Health, was an elderly East Oahu man. Officials clarified, saying the man may have been exposed to someone who had recently traveled. The man was hospitalized and he died Saturday morning.

PACIFIC ISLANDS 

** Total of 570 cases confirmed in the Pacific & 9 deaths all in US territories - 8 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (1 death),  14 in Fiji, 41 in French Polynesia, 112 in Guam (4 deaths), 371 in Hawai'i (4 deaths), 18 in New Caledonia, 1 in Papua New Guinea & 5 in Rapa Nui **  

15 nations & territories in the Pacific remain Coronavirus FREE 

List below c/- Michael Field

FIJI - Fiji recorded another 2 cases of Covid19 since the weekend bringing its total to 14.  Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said both cases were close contacts of previous patients, and both were already in isolation when their symptoms developed and they tested positive. So, luckily, the risk of further transmission is very low.

They are stressing for Fijians to stay safe and stay home and were pleased that arrests had gone down for people breaching curfews in place.

- Two Fiji rugby stars have been arrested for flouting Coronavirus isolation rules.  They haven't been named but both were professional players.  Full story here 

 - The New Zealand Government has provided Fiji with 40 High Flow Oxygen machines to help with the treatment of Fijians with COVID-19.

FRENCH POLYNESIA - A new case on Saturday and another this Sunday takes their total to 41 confirmed cases of covid-19 out of 612 people tested.  Thirty tests are carried out daily, but the arrival of additional equipment could make it possible to extend these tests.  The first case of covid-19 in Polynesia was revealed on March and MP Maina Sage is now on the mend.  A case was announced on Saturday - a resident of Hitiaa o te ra but the majority of confirmed cases are found in urban areas of the island of Tahiti. The authorities recommend that residents outside Papeete limit their trips to town as much as possible.

GUAM - On Sunday, 17 people tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, bringing Guam's overall total to 112.  Of those, 23 patients have recovered and four died.

- A public health emergency has been extended to May 5th 

- The fired captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt  tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and began exhibiting symptoms of the disease before he left the ship Friday.  According to the Times, Crozier was being quarantined at a "distinguished visitors quarters" on Naval Base Guam, "dealing with a dry raspy cough."  Full story here  

KIRIBATI - Childfund New Zealand is supporting Kiribati with its Covid-19 preparedness by delivering hygiene kits and conducting awareness in the community.  Full story here 

PALAU - Palau health officials have announced the test result of a person they feared was the country's first Covid-19 case is negative.  Full story here 

RAPA NUI - Rapa Nui (Easter Island), population 8000, has five cases of #COVID19 - in measures to halt it, Hanga Roa's streets were sprayed with disinfectant.  Pics via Michael Field Twitter 

SOLOMON ISLANDS - 738 on board MV Taimareho.  27 missing & 711 survived. Ship encountered rough seas & winds caused by Cyclone Harold on Friday morning. A 13 year old among those swept away by big waves on board ship.  Passengers on board were evacuating to get back to their home islands due to Coronavirus lockdowns.

VANUATU - Vanuatu is already being lashed by Cyclone Harold. Much of Santo has been cut off by flooding, hundreds are reported to be in evacuation centres. The brunt of the category 5 cyclone is still hours away.  The people in Vanuatu have had no choice but to relax covid prep and crowd people into shelters.  Full story here 

WALLIS & FUTUNA - Like other Pacific smaller island states, Wallis and Futuna has closed borders to avoid transmission of the Coronavirus. It’s the only French overseas collectivity to avoid a confirmed case of Covid19.  Full story here 

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