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Remote Marshall Islands Record First Two Cases Of Coronavirus

Remote Marshall Islands Record First Two Cases Of Coronavirus

The government has said there's 'no immediate risk of the virus spreading' to the wider community

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

The remote Marshall Islands, one of the last places to be coronavirus-free, has now recorded its first two cases.

The government of the Pacific island, said two workers from the US had tested positive after arriving from Hawaii on a military flight earlier this week.

The 35-year-old woman and 46-year-old man, who have not been named, have been placed in quarantine and have been kept isolated from the local community since arriving.

PA

The island's government has said they are 'border cases' and don't pose a threat to the wider island population.

In a statement, they said: "As the was identified at the border, and has been subject to strict quarantine and safety measures, there is no immediate risk of the virus spreading in the community.

"This is why in response [to] the recent cases there will be no national lockdown measures and businesses and government operations will continue as normal until further notice."

The statement went on to say that 'no additional actions are needed' but urged the public to 'remain vigilant' and to practice basic preventative measures, such as hand washing, keeping a one metre distance when out and about and covering up coughs and sneezes.

PA

The government warned against 'panic buying' but told residents to 'continue their preparedness efforts' by stockpiling two to four weeks' worth of food and routine medicine.

The Marshall Islands has a population of around 55,000 people and is self-governed, but the US controls its security and defence.

The islands closed their borders in March, but eased restrictions slightly in June to allow in some people, including US military base workers - all those who do enter must spend three weeks in quarantine.

Pacific islands quickly closed off their borders and isolated themselves when the pandemic started and, as such, have managed to keep infection rates low.

The Solomon Islands recorded its first case at the beginning of this month.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told CNN that a 'student that came on a repatriation flight from the Philippines' had tested positive after landing on the island.

PA

He said: "This student was quarantined in Manila before he boarded the flight to come back home. He tested negative for the three tests that we've done in Manila which was a compulsory requirement."

The country then implemented contact tracing and reached out to frontline staff who had come into contact with the student.

Sogavare added: "The preparedness and response measures taken by the government over the past eight months have now been activated and are now in full operation."


Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, US