Fijivillage
2 March, 2026, 10:01 pm
Central - 24°C Rain
2 March, 2026, 10:01 pm Central - 24°C Rain

Vanuatu records first COVID-19 case

Vanuatu records first COVID-19 case

By Semi Turaga
11/11/2020
Photo: RNZ Pacific / Hilaire Bule

Vanuatu has recorded its first official case of COVID-19.

Radio NZ reports the Director of Public Health Dr Len Tarivonda said the infected man had flown to Vanuatu from the United States, via Sydney and Auckland.

The man, who was asymptomatic, was confirmed with the coronavirus on Tuesday during routine fifth-day testing.

He had arrived in Vanuatu on 4 November but the Vanuatu Ministry of Health said because he had been identified as travelling from a high-risk location he was seated separately during flights and physical distancing was carried out at all times.

Radio NZ reports Prime Minister Bob Loughman officially announced the confirmed case in a press conference.

Loughman said the infected person was transferred to the isolation facility at the Vila Central Hospital.

He said contact tracing was underway and all close contacts of the individual would also be put into quarantine.

[Source: Radio NZ]

FEATURE NEWS
I'm still waiting for the response from JSC - President
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu confirms he is still waiting for the response from the Judicial Services Commission.The President has confirmed this...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Flash flood warning remains for Viti Levu and flash flood alert for Vanua Levu
People are urged to take all the necessary precautions as a flash flood warning remains in force for the whole of Viti Levu, while a flash flood ...
4 hours ago

FMF supports Leadership Fiji project to enhance wellbeing of St Giles Hospital
FMF Foods Limited is proud to serve as the Gold Sponsor of the Leadership Fiji Cohort 2025 project, an initiative aimed at improving the wellbeing of ...
4 hours ago

Global Recycling Day theme highlights grassroots resilience - PRF
The 2026 Global Recycling Day theme, Grassroots Recyclers' Journey: Peaks, Valleys and Resilience, was launched today, shining a spotlight on the ...
4 hours ago

Emergency repairs at Nadarivatu Switching Station to affect Western Division power supply
Customers across the Western Division are being advised to prepare for possible power disruptions tonight as Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) undertakes ...
4 hours ago

Schools in the West to remain closed tomorrow
All schools in the Western Division will remain closed tomorrow due to continuous heavy rain, which has resulted in flooding in many areas.Minister ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
3 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
4 days ago

Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
24 days ago

TOP