Health Department declares Covid-19 outbreak

Niue’s Department of Health has declared an outbreak of Covid19 with ninety-nine (99) reported active cases as of today. Forty five (45) cases have been reported this week and another forty-five (45) have recovered since the outbreak began on January 11.

Speaking with BCN News this morning, Head of Public Health Ms Grizelda Mokoia said it is likely that the number is even more and is urging residents to practice safe precautionary measures, to test if unwell and to wear a mask in public. The outbreak has already seen 4 hospitalized. Mokoia says funerals, public gatherings and new cases arriving off flights were likely contributors to the rise in cases this month. She is now urging residents to take precautionary measures and to mask up. 

It’s the first surge since November 2022 when Niue reported 380 Covid19 cases. “In November 2022 we had a total of 380 cases, so the feeling that we have is already we might be closer to that number”, said Mokoia.

Niue’s Covid-19 mandates were lifted in March 2023, but Mokoia is encouraging those who have tested positive to isolate to contain the spread. “Now because we don’t know who’s already got Covid 19, it would be advisable to mask up when you go to the shops and public gatherings and practice hand washing as well as proper coughing etiquette.”

More on this story on BCN News bulletin tonight at 8pm on TV Niue, channel 1.