Chapter 1: Key Developments from the COVID-19 Briefing

Vanuatu recently held a significant COVID-19 briefing, revealing some surprising updates. The Deputy Prime Minister made an appearance, and while it was good to see him, many of us are now particularly alert to any coughs amid the pandemic. Thankfully, he shared reassuring news regarding visa expirations—there's no need to panic as the government is addressing the situation and developing an online visa application system.

The briefing also introduced a stern message from the Cyber Police. It appears this initiative may be funded by the Australian government. However, one can’t help but wonder if our Cyber officers could be outfitted in a more fitting manner—perhaps with a few light sabers? While tackling online trolls and misinformation about COVID-19 is crucial, the intent behind this Cyber push raises questions.

Section 1.1: The Role of Cyber Police

During a Facebook live press conference shared with VBTC, the Cyber Police made it clear they possess significant authority, enforcing penalties of up to 3 million Vatu or three years in prison for certain offenses. The ambiguity around what constitutes these offenses is concerning and could benefit from more clarity.

Subsection 1.1.1: Addressing Vaccination Concerns

In response to my earlier inquiry about vaccinations, Opposition Leader Ralph Regenvanu engaged with my tweet, emphasizing the importance of this issue. I intend to bring this question up in future COVID briefings.

Section 1.2: Changes in Curfew and Banking Services

In other news, the curfew hours in Vanuatu have been adjusted to 8 PM to 6 AM. Unfortunately, this leaves little opportunity for social activities. Additionally, the National Bank of Vanuatu announced an unexpected closure this afternoon for a health check of their staff, indicating we may see more such changes in the near future.

Another topic of concern is the recent death in South Santo labeled as a COVID case. Reports indicate that the elderly woman, who had pre-existing health conditions, was buried before testing could be conducted, leaving the situation unclear.

Chapter 2: Community Adaptations and Resilience

The second video, "Pandemic Warriors: Vanuatu re-imagines tourism," showcases how the community is adapting and finding resilience during these challenging times. It highlights innovative approaches to tourism and local strategies for coping with the pandemic, emphasizing the spirit of Vanuatu's people in navigating through these unprecedented challenges.