Opposition MP Terry Coe is calling on government to ban travel of government employees to China and to put a hold on any Chinese workers expected to arrive to work on government projects.
Terry Coe told BCN News that he is calling on the travel bans because of the spread of the coronavirus which originated in China and has spread to the rest of the world.
He says that the government should stop the Chinese workers expected to arrive on the island to proceed with the road expansion project until the virus has been contained.
Coe said this is the most effective measure that should be taken by authorities as Niue is a small island and cannot afford to take the risk.
Meanwhile, BCN new received a statement from the Secretary to Government Peleni Talagi yesterday, Tuesday 28th January 2020.
It states the Niue Heath department has been monitoring the 2019-nCoV outbreak in China and working closely with the World Health Organization, the NZ Ministry of Health and neighboring Pacific Island Health colleagues with regular updates.
However, the Health Department will be meeting with Niue border agency officials today to plan the response under its pandemic plan and take preparatory measures.
The Health Department will be issuing official public notifications today on the 2019-nCoV in accordance with official WHO guidance.
The statement also said that as of 9am today( Tuesday January 28th 2020) WHO has not declared the 2019-nCoV outbreak in China a public health emergency of international concern.