Micronesia is dealing with its first outbreak of COVID-19, with greater than 2,000 new instances inside every week.
The island federation had beforehand prevented COVID-19 because of strict border controls and geographic isolation. It’s the final nation with a inhabitants of over 100,000 to be drawn into the worldwide pandemic.
Well being officers reported 140 new instances Monday, in line with the Related Press. Eight residents have been hospitalized and one older man has died from the illness.
Richard Clark, press secretary to Micronesia’s President David Panuelo, stated in a information launch that “as of July 26 the nation has recorded 2,072 instances of COVID-19, of which 90% of optimistic outcomes have been recognized starting simply 4 days prior,” as reported by the Guam Each day Submit.
Authorities have responded forcefully, mandating masks in every single place with a $1,000 high-quality for violators together with vaccinations for eligible residents. Well being officers say 75% of Micronesians over the age of 5 are vaccinated.
The outbreak is presently contained within the two states of Pohnpei and Kosrae, with the 2 extra populous states of Yap and Chuuk presently uninfected in line with the Guam Each day Submit.
Specialised assist from the American Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention is scheduled to reach later this week.
The home Micronesian response to the outbreak is presently being hampered by the an infection of a lot of Micronesia’s authorities.
Mr. Clark stated in a information launch that “In not less than two FSM authorities departments, the majority of senior officers … are optimistic for COVID-19.”
