Nauru

According to the latest situational report, 127 are new cases of Covid and this is a 90 per cent increase compared to the same time last week.

The island nation is now experiencing the second wave of Covid-19 and further case numbers are expected to increase.

The highest number of new cases of 84 is reported in the 18-49 years age group.

Thirteen new cases are in the 0-4 years age group.

The report released yesterday said 419 people have been identified as ‘close contacts’ and are under quarantine.

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President Russ Joseph Kun said they have plans in progress to connect Nauru to the cable system in Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.

He said the operation is expected to be completed by December 2025.

The Nauru Fibre Cable Corporation was established in 2017 and is mandated to improve internet connectivity through submarine cables.

The $70 million fibre optic project called “East Micronesia Cable” is funded by the U.S., Japan and Australia.

The submarine cable project will link Nauru, FSM and Kiribati.

Nauru’s High Commissioner to Australia Camilla Solomon received the donation on behalf of the Nauru Government from Ambassador of Philippines to Nauru Ma Hellen Barber de la Vega, on the eve of Nauru’s Independence Day, 30 January.

“We reached out to our close friends for support as we face the unknown of what lies ahead, keeping in mind the community’s most vulnerable members, such as the elderly and those with chronic medical concerns. Due to our limited resources and capacity in the health sector, we needed the assistance.”

President Russ Joseph Kun said since its inaugural meeting in 2020, Aviation Ministers have held the RAMM1 and RAMM2 meetings online.

“The meeting in Nauru will be the first time for all regional Aviation Ministers to meet in person under the RAMM3 gathering. With an increasing population, the demand for school bus transportation is immediate.”

The meeting will be held in the third week of November.

Kun also said the Runway Project will commence within the current financial year.

President Russ Joseph Kun said the fund was possible through generous assistance from their partners, Australia, Republic of China (Taiwan), New Zealand and ADB.

“The fund is achieving its investment objectives and will be able to provide ongoing and secure source of revenue for the people of Nauru by 2033.”

Kun added that Nauru’s economy continues to perform well despite the highly uncertain global environment and volatile revenue streams.

President Russ Joseph Kun said they have been registered by the Department of People Living with Disabilities.

Kun also said, “This year the Department for People Living with Disability will undertake modification of homes for persons living with disability to accommodate their special needs.”

Nauru acceded to the Convention of the Rights of People with Disability on 27 June 2012.

President Russ Kun confirmed that in this period there was only one death reported.

“As of 10 July 2020, a total of 24,143 vaccine doses have been administered.”

Kun thanked all the front liners for their dedication and efforts.

“Moreover, I thank all our development partners for their continued assistance and support,” he said.

In his address, President Russ Joseph Kun said they are also commemorating the 77th Anniversary of our peoples return from Chuuk.

“Even as Nauru celebrates, our hearts lament in remembrance of our ancestors, uprooted from 2 of their homes to live in a country not their own.”

“Their stories passed down through generations, forever embedded in Nauru’s history are a part of our essence as a nation. Their courage, patriotism, tenacity, and unwavering faith in God are an inspiration.”

Ambassador Lin holds a Bachelor of Political Science Degree from the National Taiwan University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from RMIT University in Australia.

A statement from the Government Information Office said he is a seasoned diplomat with a vast experience in Foreign affairs.

Prior to his arrival in Nauru, Ambassador Lin was posted as the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Surabaya, Indonesia. Ambassador Lin succeeds Dean Hai-Long Wang who served in the role for over three years.

Confirmed cases and their close contacts must isolate and cannot leave their home without approval from the Covid-19 health taskforce.

No one can visit people who are isolated.

Random checks will be conducted by the taskforce, and anyone in breach of the rules could be fined $US3,500.