1%: The case fatality ratio* of COVID-19 in the Pacific Islands for the period March 2020 to January 2021 (* this is the proportion of people who die among all individuals diagnosed with the disease).

By: IOM/Olivia Blinn

When Destiny Etse first heard that she had won the FSM COVID-19 TikTok Challenge for her animated video, she did not believe that it was true. Posts on social media and an FSM-wide SMS blast confirmed it — Destiny had won the Gold prize for the FSM TikTok Challenge, a competition launched by the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA), International Organization of Migration (IOM) with the support of USAID, the Pacific Community (SPC) and Micronesian Productions.

25 260: Total cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the Pacific in 2020 (11 countries recorded no cases of COVID-19).

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The Pacific region has been spared from the mass outbreaks of COVID-19 that have taken place throughout the world over the last year. But while Pacific nations can be rightly proud of their quick actions to control the disease,  they are not relaxing monitoring efforts and are ensuring that their health systems are prepared.

The small island nation of Nauru is one of the few places with no COVID cases recorded. Nevertheless, Nauru is staying alert and working closely with partners to invest in training and preparation health programs

​Today we celebrate Global Handwashing Day 2020 on the theme "Hand Hygiene for All". Leaving no one behind.

Washing hands frequently and carefully – whether at home, at work or at school – is critical to beat COVID_19 and other infectious diseases.

Use water and soap and rub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Protect yourself

• Avoid unnecessary public activities, stay at home
• Ask for help from relatives, friends or neighbours to do your grocery
• Maintain physical distancing (stay at least 1 m away from others) at all times
• Wear a mask if requested or if physical distancing is impossible
• Keep in regular contact with family and friends via phone or social media
• Maintain a regular medical check if you have underlying medical conditions
• Wash your hands regularly

Physical distancing is vital if we are to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Let’s all continue to adopt new ways of living to beat COVID-19. Here are 5 friendly and safe ways to greet people while keeping distance.

Regular handwashing remains one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infections. Always clean hands with soap and water or rub with a hand sanitiser for at least 20 seconds.

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a Pandemic and safety precautions are being taken for this. One such way is through social distancing.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is a term applied to public health practice to halt or slow down the spread of a highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19 by minimising contact between one individual(s) to others.

Why social distancing is important?