Coronavirus: Vanuatu records first case of Covid-19

Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo / Hilaire Bule / RNZ Pacific

By RNZ

Vanuatu has recorded its first official case of Covid-19.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Len Tarivonda, said the infected man had flown to Vanuatu from the United States via Auckland.

The man is now in quarantine in Port Vila.

A statement on the Vanuatu Ministry of Health's website says the man "was asymptomatic (not sick) and was detected in quarantine during routine day 5 testing".

Prime Minister Bob Loughman is holding a press conference on the matter and has moved to reassure the public of their safety.

"I want to assure all citizens and the public that the situation is under control and the government through the Covid-19 taskforce is prepared and ready to address this case.

"I also want to remind the public that they must co-operate with all frontline government agencies as the work to carry out their duties."

- RNZ