Chapter 1: COVID-19 Developments in Vanuatu

Just when you thought the COVID situation in Vanuatu couldn't get any stranger, new events unfold.

As an outsider in Vanuatu, I briefly pondered how to articulate the current events, but thankfully, the Opposition has stepped in to shed light on the matter. The tracing team is diligently working to uncover the specifics of who has been in contact with whom.

What we do know is that MP Tony Iauko, dubbed Case Zero, has been quite active, with 120 identified contacts, including individuals who have traveled to Santo and Tanna. It seems the inquiries for answers might start at home, and the list is extensive.

Happy International Women’s Day, by the way!

Reflecting on International Women’s Day, I can't help but wonder how different Vanuatu's decision-making landscape might be if women were more involved in governance. Of course, it starts with electing women into positions of power. I must emphasize that, given the current claims from the Opposition, it’s not the right time to suggest that women are unprepared to lead.

Meanwhile, at the Convention Centre, the vaccination line was steadily increasing. By the time I arrived around 9 a.m., the queue had split and wrapped around the building.

After waiting for some time, I noticed the vaccination supplies arriving, and medical personnel were hurriedly preparing for the influx. However, as the crowd swelled and frustrations rose, a decision was made to postpone vaccinations for the next two days to avoid creating a potential super spreader event.

I couldn't shake the thought that clearer and more timely communication would have been immensely helpful today. Are we under lockdown or not? The situation appears somewhat muddled at the moment. Is this a 48-hour lockdown, or merely a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the next two nights?

With pressure from concerned citizens making calls to the relevant authorities, it was confirmed later in the day that residents of Efate and surrounding islands, many of whom rely on daily earnings, would have access to markets to purchase food for their families.

As it has been a challenging day, I decided to add a touch of humor to my situation by volunteering for a test.

Chapter 2: A Personal Experience with COVID Testing

After my neighbor tested positive earlier in the day, I figured it would be prudent to get tested as well.

The testing process was straightforward. I scheduled an appointment with Doctor Jean-Philippe King at Medipol, situated across from Vila Central Hospital. He is among the qualified medical professionals trained in Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) who have received tests donated to the Vanuatu government for concerned citizens.

Being a first-time patient, I asked Doctor King if I could record the procedure for public awareness, although my true aim was to distract myself from the impending nasal probe. As a seasoned foreign correspondent, I can honestly say that filming while being tested was a unique experience.

I'm relieved to report that I tested negative. Now, the challenge is to remain that way. On a positive note, my neighbor, who is also triple vaccinated, is managing well and has been instructed to self-isolate for the next week. We have established a delivery zone at the hibiscus hedge for essential items like take-away kava, Shapes biscuits, and diet soda. The first delivery was made today. Together, we will overcome this challenge.