Vanuatu Looks To Reopen Borders With Virus-free Countries
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published February 27, 2021 | 09:50 AM
Port Vila, Vanuatu, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Feb, 2021 ) :Coronavirus-free Vanuatu has announced plans to cautiously reopen its borders, starting with a safe travel bubble with its Southwest Pacific neighbour New Caledonia.
From April, the so-called "Tamtam Bubble" will allow access to Efate Island, Vanuatu's largest island and home to the capital Port Vila.
A government spokesman said Saturday that leaders would meet next week "to formalise the Tamtam Travel Bubble between Port Vila and Noumea", the capital of New Caledonia.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman told community leaders that priority would initially be given to people travelling on compassionate grounds for healthcare, education, employment, technical assistance and visiting family and friends.
New Caledonia was chosen because it is "a low-risk country with no active community cases for more than 28 days".
Plans were under way to extend the bubble to other countries which have been free of Covid-19 for at least a month, with the government spokesman saying Fiji was at the head of the list.
The bubble is named after the tamtam drum, which is common in Melanesian countries as a means of communication and is usually erected in a chief's "nasara" or compound.
Vanuatu recorded its only case of Covid-19 last November, in a returned traveller from the United States, while New Caledonia hasn't registered a new case since December, with a total of 57 cases since the pandemic began.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PNCA hosts artist talk, workshop on paper cutting
Task Force on cards for operation against illegal housing schemes: DG RDA
Flags, panaflexes removed from roads, streets for beautification of city: Mayor ..
Emergent measures under way to control effects of climate change: governor
Muhammad Suhail appointed member search committee
KP Governor inaugurates blossom fiesta, funfair at Khyber Girls Medical College
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar urges sweeping operation against ..
KPRTS serves show cause notices to CCPO, DC
Officials of NDMA, PDMA briefs Engr Amir Muqam about recent rains, landslide imp ..
Bahawalnagar boosts wheat procurement: 22 centers open for business
DWE providing training to 0.3 mln workers in twin cities
KPTA delegation meets with Governor, seeks resolution for salary issues
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
1 day ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
3 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago