Samoa records three more Covid deaths
Another 3 deaths have taken Samoa's tally from the pandemic to 19.
The latest Ministry of Health figures was 73 positive people identified at the border, taking the number of confirmed cases since the outbreak began in March to 9512.
Eleven people are in isolation wards and one is in the intensive care unit.
The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, said the progress made on vaccinations is commendable.
The vaccination rate is 92.6% of the age group 18 years and over, while 70,439 booster doses have been administered.
For the age group 12 to 17 years old 86.6 percent have completed two doses.
For those aged 5 to 11 years 58.7 percent have competed for first doses, with second doses happening this week.
BA.2 variant detected in American Samoa
The Covid-19 omicron variant, BA.2, has been detected in American Samoa.
Health officials confirm 15 travellers last week from Honolulu were positive with the BA.2 variant.
Health officials in Pago Pago have again reminded the community to get boosted as soon as possible, as immunity is known to decrease over time.
First boosters are recommended 5 months after second dose Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Janssen.
They also strongly advises the public to "get tested if you have been exposed to someone who is positive or once symptoms are present.
The community spread of Covid-19 on Ta'u island in American Samoa's Manu'a group has increased to 14 cases with 13 positives at Faleasao village and one at Ta'u.
The community spread on Ta'u Island began when six positive cases were identified last Wednesday.
Vaccinations will continue at health clinics on the islands of Ofu and Ta'u and all residents of Manu'a from the age of five are being advised to get vaccinated and boosted if/ when eligible.
US govt gives Samoa over 45,000 Pfizer vaccines
The US government, through its Agency for International Development has given Samoa 45,630 Pfizer vaccines.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The US Ambassador to Samoa Tom Udall said the US was committed to providing 1.2 billion doses of safe, effective vaccines to meet global needs.
He said those doses are protecting individuals, families, and villages here in the South Pacific and around the world.
This latest delivery was made through the COVAX Facility.
The US is the largest donor to COVAX, having donated $4 billion to help protect at-risk populations in 92 low- and middle-income countries.
World Bank offers financial support to Solomon Islands
The World Bank is giving Solomon Islands more financial support as it struggles to cope with the impact of Covid-19.
Solomon Islands has had over 14,000 confirmed cases and 141 reported deaths.
The additional $US8 million comes on top of $US5 million given by the Bank two months ago.
The money is to support the Solomons expanded health response to the pandemic; with support for prevention, preparedness, and emergency response work across the country, as well as efforts to strengthen health systems and facilities and access to vaccines.
Solomon Islands police crack down on illegal street gambling
Solomon Islands police, aided by the Australian Federal Police have been cracking down on illegal street gambling in Honiara.
A total of eight sites were raided and shut down last Friday with police enforcing both gambling laws and the current State Of Emergency regulations.
Provincial Police Commander Superintendent, Jimson Robo said Friday's joint operation with the AFP was only phase one, which is a 'shut-down' and 'warning' phase.
He said the next phase will likely involve charging those who continue to disrespect the law.
PNG police bring in armoured vehicles to use in the Highlands
Papua New Guinea police are bringing in armoured vehicles to use in the Highlands during the election in July.
The Post Courier reports it is the high number of illegal firearms in the region which has prompted the police move.
It reports the armoured vehicles can resist hand grenades and repel gunshots.
The Police Commissioner David Manning said election-related violence has seen too many lives lost so the use of armoured vehicles is the best response.
In the 2017 election more than 200 people died in violent clashes.
