Princess Margaret Hospital, Tuvalu Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Covid-19 cases in Tuvalu have soared to 443, with 303 news cases recorded since Sunday.
This is the first time the country has experienced a community outbreak of the virus.
Last Wednesday, routine testing found two probable cases, which were later confirmed to be community transmission cases and the government declared a Covid-19 outbreak.
Two people have been hospitalised.
All health facilities in Tuvalu remain under Covid-19 emergency mode.
At the same time, Tuvalu is also dealing with a severe drought, with a State of Public Emergency declared for the whole country.
Relief in American Samoa at zero new cases
For the first time since the spead of covid-19 in American Samoa in February, no new cases have been announced in the latest reporting period.
The report was presented to the Covid-19 Task Force last week and covers October 24-30.
It also shows the continued decline in the number of people tested for the virus, compared to the start of the outbreak.
The total cumulative Covid-19 count, since February 28, has stood at 8,257 for two weeks.
Meanwhile, the American Samoa government's online safe travel portal, Talofa Pass, will no longer be used to get into the territory from next week.
From November 15, the portal will not be used to register for pre-approved entry, but it will still be used for traveller health forms.
The vaccination requirement to enter American Samoa will also be dropped.
