Coronavirus

He said these queues pose a great risk and is concerned that people standing in queues are not wearing masks, both inside and outside the bank. 

“You see these happening all over the country in the banks. Bank buildings are confined areas that can also be a hub for the spread of COVID-19 infections, including the Delta and Omicron variants,’’ said Dr Daoni.

He urged the management of the banks to ensure to minimize the queues inside the banks and everyone must wear a mask.

“My concern is kids going back to school and in overcrowded schools, schools are expected to see an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. This is due to Omicron,” said Dr Daoni.

He said Omicron has shown to infect young people and children more than the other variants.

“Schools must prepare and put in place measures to cover for teachers in the event that a lot of teachers get infected and miss schools.

“At the same time, schools must work closely with parents to ensure that the spread among kids or children is minimized.

Minister of Health Culwick Togamana announced the figures from the last 24 hours (up to midday Monday) this evening which brings totals to 12 deaths and 1486 cases since the start of the outbreak just under a fortnight ago.

The majority of cases were still coming from the capital, Honiara, and Malaita Province, but suspected cases were starting to crop up in other parts of the country, Dr Togamana said.

Ardern and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro were on flight NZ8273 from Kerikeri to Auckland on 22 January. Someone who tested positive for Covid-19 was on the flight which added to the Ministry of Health's website as a location of interest last night.

The result of whole genome sequencing for the case is expected today, but it is likely to be Omicron, a media statement from the prime minister's office said last night.

Ardern and Dame Cindy were in Northland undertaking advance filming at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the Waitangi Day broadcast.

People in developing nations are generally missing out due to accessibility issues, a slow roll out of vaccines, difficulties getting to remote areas, a lack health of resources and misinformation resulting in vaccine hesitancy.

But ChildFund director of programmes Quenelda Clegg said developed countries need to support the Pacific and also stop hoarding vaccines.

The organisation has been raising awareness about vaccine inequity and the issues happening in the Pacific.

In Papua New Guinea, a positive case was traced and diagnosed for the COVID-19 Omicron variant. According to National Pandemic Response Controller, David Manning, the man came to PNG last December after travelling from South Africa via London and Hong Kong.

However, Mr Manning said the man had to undergo testing while in quarantine and has fully recovered.

Predictions were made last year, regarding a fourth surge to occur in March, however, traces were made of the fourth wave arising in Port Moresby.

PMGH has been tracking COVID positive rates from last year, through to this month, noting that there has been an increase since the third wave in September 2021.

In the past week alone, 250 tests were performed on patients, with results of about 150 positive cases from the testing activity.

This takes the death toll since the pandemic hit the country in 2020 to 791.

Fiji's Government also confirmed on Wednesday the 10 day-old infant, 8 year-old girl and 13 year-old boy are among 12 Covid-19 patients who died.

There are 223 new cases in the community, with a total of 1,980 patients in isolation.

Health Secretary Dr James Fong said all three children were from the Northern Division.

He said the baby had passed away at home before she could be taken to the hospital.

The Micronesian Island nation recorded 65 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of positive infections to 181.

The Health Ministry said the new infections were reported on Tarawa, and those infected are in home isolation.

There are now 145 local and 36 imported cases.

Authorities also confirmed that some government officials have tested positive for the virus and are working remotely.

The authorities are advising people to strictly follow the Covid-19 protocols to minimise the risks and spreading the virus in the community.

Commissioner Manning said by virtue of sections 9 (a), 29, 36 and 42 and all other enabling sections of the National Pandemic Act 2020, directed the amendment to the ban on major event gatherings of over 100 issued on 14^th January, 2022 to exempt Religious activities and Essential services.

For clarity, this direction is in addition to all other requirements under the National Pandemic Act 2020, Measure 3, ‘Domestic measures’.