Health steps up preparedness activities as Coronavirus cases grow globally

There are no reported suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Niue or in any Pacific Island Country. 

A local Niuean who was in Asia is currently undergoing a period of self isolation while in Auckland.    

Niue’s Health Department confirms that a local Niue resident who was in Japan on training is in Auckland for 14 days as a precaution before returning home to Niue.  The department thanks the resident for agreeing to undertake this period of self-isolation on a voluntary basis

A range of preparedness activities has also been highlighted by the Health department. This includes: 

1. A proposal for an updated travel restriction will be tabled in Cabinet this week, in view of the growing spread of COVID-19 cases in countries outside of China.  

2. A multi-sectoral team consisting of personnel from key Government Agencies will continue to meet regularly to discuss and address actions needed from these Agencies. 

3. The Niue Pandemic Plan for COVID-19 is under review by the NZ Ministry of Health. 

4. A team from WHO will arrive on the 6th March to carry out refresher training on Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) and other matters for health staff and border control staff. 

5. The Health Department has received further stock of masks, sanitisers and personal protective equipment.  The isolation tent has been set up and will be used for triage purposes. 

6. Thanks to the Government of New Zealand, the health department has also received 10 non-contact (infra-red) thermometers, which enables Health staff to screen passengers of interest on arrival. 

7. A community outreach programme will be initiated and public health messaging campaign will be strengthened.  

8. The Health Dept. is in touch with the WHO on a weekly basis via teleconference and with the NZ Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a regular basis.

9. Information and experiences are also being shared and between Heads of Health in the Pacific.   

10. Thanks to the NZ High Commissioner and his team, the Health Dept. receives daily situation reports from the NZ Ministry of Health which helps guide decision-making in Niue.