COVID-19 Joint Incident Management Team Health Sector ...

1. Pacific Highlights Fiji receives more medical supplies (24 September 2020)

Fiji received approximately FJD $750,000 worth of medical supplies from the World Health Organization, transported by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in order to further strengthen the country’s capacity to fight COVID-19. The supplies include 888,500 surgical masks, 53,400 KN95 masks, 29,200 face shields, 2,000 protective goggles and 4,000 isolation gowns.

WHO, UNICEF and Fiji MoH staff formally hand over medical supplies Photo: WHO

COVID-19 Preparedness - Supporting the Vulnerable in Samoa (23 September 2020)

The JIMT continues to support the Government of Samoa in delivering a mass media communications campaign to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, training of the clinical teams on infection and prevention control, screening and testing, isolation and clinical management of COVID-19, and intensifying mental health services given the recent measles outbreak.

COVID-19 Joint Incident Management Team Health Sector Preparedness & Response

External Situation Report #29 I 17 September - 14 October 2020

Compiled by:

WHO Staff Member, Lepaitai Hansell demonstrating handwashing to children during the COVID-19 assessment, Upolu; Photo: WHO

JIMT / WHO use only officially confirmed data which may differ from data published on other sources. 2

2. Pacific Island Countries & Areas – Epidemiological Situation As of midnight UTC+12, 14 October 2020

• Of the 3,375 newly reported cases since the last situation report (18-Sep-2020), there were 2,061 cases in French Polynesia, 1,296 cases in Guam, 1 case in New Caledonia, 15 cases in the CNMI and 2 cases in the Solomon Islands; bringing the total to 6,730 cases in Pacific Island Countries and Areas.

• Of the 37 newly reported deaths since the last situation report (18-Sep-2020), there were 9 deaths in French Polynesia and 28 deaths in Guam; bringing the total to 76 deaths in Pacific Island Countries and Areas.

• Fiji did not report a case in this reporting period. It has been 39 days since Fiji last reported a travel-related case and 179 days since the last reported community-acquired case. There are currently no active cases in Fiji.

• The second wave of cases is continuing, and cases are increasing in French Polynesia with 3,189 newly confirmed cases from 2 August to 14 October 2020 (UTC+12) including 2,061 new cases reported since the last situation report (18-Sep-2020). The majority of cases remain in Tahiti where there is community spread, however cases have spread to several islands. The majority of cases are aged below 45 years and half (51%) of cases are female.

• French Polynesia reported an additional 9 deaths which brings their total to 11 COVID-19-related deaths and a case fatality proportion of 0.34%

• Cases in Guam are not showing a decline as 1,296 additional cases were reported since the last situation report (18-Sep-2020), bringing the total to 3,341 cases. There were an additional 19 cases among military service members (total 282) and 1,277 cases among civilians (total 3,059). There are currently 59 cases in hospital, including 14 in the ICU. The highest number of cases are in the 20–29 year age-group (23%), followed by 30–39 years (19%) and 40–49 years (15%); 53% of cases are male. The average daily tests conducted has remained consistent over the past month with approximately 471 tests per day.

• Guam reported an additional 28 deaths which brings their total to 61 COVID-19-related deaths. The highest number of deaths are in the 60–69 years (27%) followed by 50–59 years (23%) and 70–79 years (21%); 50% of deaths are male.

• New Caledonia reported one additional case which brings their total to 27 COVID-19 cases. The case was imported and identified during quarantine. The case has since recovered and there are currently no active cases in New Caledonia.

• The 15 new cases in the CNMI were all imported and tested positive during quarantine; 3 originated from the US mainland, 5 from US territories and 7 from other countries. Of the total 77 cases, 51 were identified through port of entry screening, 10 were identified through community screening and 16 were known contacts of confirmed cases. Of the 51 total imported cases, 29 originated from the US mainland, 12 from US territories and 10 from other countries. The highest number of cases are in the 20–49 year age-group (51%) and 60% of cases are male.

• Solomon Islands reported their first two COVID-19 cases. These cases were both asymptomatic repatriated students from the Philippines who tested negative prior to travel but tested positive in quarantine in the Solomon Islands.


Reporting Country / Territory / Area

Total cases Total Deaths Days Since Last

Reported Travel-Related Case

Days Since Last Reported Community-

Acquired Case

American Samoa 0 0 - -

Cook Islands 0 0 - -

Fiji 32 2 39 179

French Polynesia 3,251 11 0 0

Guam 3,341 61 0 0

Kiribati 0 0 - -

Marshall Islands, Republic of the 0 0 - -

Micronesia, Federated States of 0 0 - -

Nauru 0 0 - -

New Caledonia 27 0 19 194

Niue 0 0 - -

Northern Mariana Islands, Commonwealth of the

77 2 4 57

Palau 0 0 - -

Samoa 0 0 - -

Solomon Islands 2 0 3 -

Tokelau 0 0 - -

Tonga 0 0 - -

Tuvalu 0 0 - -

Vanuatu 0 0 - -

Wallis and Futuna 0 0 - -

Total 6,730 76 N/A N/A Table 1: Countries, territories & areas with reported COVID-19 cases & deaths (as of 14 September 2020, midnight UTC+12)

Figure 1 – Pacific Epidemic Curve by Date of Notification (as at 1535 UTC+12, 14 October 2020)


3. Response Activities under the JIMT

Health Operations and Technical Expertise Pillar Technical Area Support Provided / Update Health Service Delivery [IFRC, SPC, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, WHO]

• HSD Cell members developed supplementary guidance on ensuring ‘Continuity of Essential Services for Gender-Based Violence during COVID-19 response in PICs’

• Cell members contacted countries to assess status of HSD planning and monitoring • All Cell members supported the finalisation of supplementary guidance on GBV and

are working on one addressing adolescent health based on global guidance

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support [WHO, UNFPA, SPC, UNWOMEN, IFRC]

• All Cell members supported the finalisation of monitoring and evaluation strategy for MHPSS

• Cell members completed internal versions of telehealth guidance and sent for external review (including Using Telehealth to Continue MHPSS Services, and Incorporating MHPSS into Existing Telehealth Services)

• All Cell members supported the finalisation of the internal version of MHPSS COVID-19 Tip-sheets for community workers, sent for final external review

• WHO are preparing to implement adapted basic psychosocial skills training for PICs • WHO facilitated a webinar to share COVID-19-related learning for Pacific Ministries

of Health • MHPSS partners drafted two telehealth guidance documents currently under review

by partner agencies and the Telehealth Cell • MHPSS partners are working to update a community toolkit to support community

workers to address MHPSS. WHO has updated the toolkit based on the feedback received from community organisations based in the PICs

• UNICEF supported the work of the Cell providing CP/Child-Friendly technical inputs, including the development of the Community Quarantine/Isolation Facility guidance for PICs (annex to RCCE Cell Community COVID-19 Planning guide)

• UNICEF supported the delivery of MHPSS messaging via a 2-week radio spot on AM1440. Messaging included protection of children, parenting tips and COVID-19, with call in time for questions. Reach calculated for approximately 35.5% (39,089) of the population; estimated 15,904 children (8,166 males; 7,738 females) and 23,185 adults (11,309 males; 11,876 females)


Epidemiology & Surveillance [PIHOA, SPC, WHO]

• Cell members are developing interactive contact tracing training for PICs and liaising with countries regarding support required for repatriation

• Cell members are consolidating surveillance information for country risk assessments and identifying activities for support

• All Cell members are providing technical input for the Community Quarantine / Isolation Facility guidance

• Cell members are planning training for the use of digital surveillance tools for contact tracing and case/contact monitoring

Infection Prevention & Control [SPC, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO]

• All Cell partners provided technical advice on the Community COVID-19 Pandemic Planning Tool and further input to the Dead Body Management & IPC

• Cell members reviewed ‘Health on Air’ Episode 7 (Breast feeding / COVID-19). • All partners supported and analysed the waste management survey questionnaire

data • Cell members developed and disseminated PPE donning and doffing competency

assessment form

Case Management [DFAT, SPC, WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF]

• SPC & the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) supported a regional Directors of Clinical Services meeting on 1 October 2020

• WHO worked with JIMT partners on the Community COVID-19 Pandemic Planning Tool that includes the Community Quarantine/Isolation Facility guidance

• WHO & SPC disseminated information regarding nine upcoming case management-focused webinars available to PICs

• WHO & SPC supported Nauru & Tuvalu in their search for additional human resources to support clinical management needs in both countries

• All cell members provided support for episodes 7 & 8 of the UNICEF-led ‘Health Care on Air’ program

• WHO & SPC carried out a national and subnational assessment to support COVID-19-focused risk assessments for PICs

• All cell members worked with RACS and PICs Operating Theatre nurses to develop the Perioperative Environmental Safety standards (PPPB3)

Laboratory [SPC, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF]

• WHO recruited a laboratory consultant to provide remote support for PICs on COVID-19

• WHO supported online training on GeneXpert monitoring and KPI for laboratory scientists in the Northern Pacific; a total 18 training sessions have now been completed

• WHO supplied RNA extraction kits to the Guam Public Health Laboratory • Batch #21 of GeneXpert order (23,600 cartridges) was dispatched which means that

the Northern Pacific, Kiribati, Tonga and PNG orders will be complete

RCCE [ASTHO, IFRC, IOM, SPC, UNCG / UNRCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO]

• Cell members are currently finalising the COVID-19 Pacific Community Planning tool • Cell members developed two short guidance documents on (1) Establishing and

maintaining community quarantine and (2) Establishing and maintaining community isolation facilities, with technical input from other cells

• The Cell aggregated the ‘Pacific Ministry of Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions’ data to identify common trends and support targeted assistance to countries

• RCCE Cell provided targeted support to Guam and French Polynesia with likely ongoing work to result

• Cell members supported three RCCE workshops and field activities on the 14–16 September and 22–25 September; RCCE activities include communication mapping,


identifying partners, developing the communication chain, revision of the RCCE plan, testing of RCCE materials and currently working on developing a KAP survey in partnership with the RCCE Cell

Tele-Health [SPC, UNFPA, WHO]

• Cell members continued to development a Telehealth toolkit for PICs

Operational Support and Logistics Pillar Operational Area Support Provided / Update GeneXpert® Distribution [DFAT, PIHOA, UNOCHA, WFP, WHO]

• WHO distribution of batches 5 to 19 of the GeneXpert® cartridges is ongoing

Batch 1-19 completed

Batch 1-19 ongoing

Batch 1-19 % complete

# cartridges allocated

total

% completed

American Samoa 270 0 100% 1,680 16%

CNMI 2,360 0 100% 2,360 100% FSM Chuuk 470 0 100% 1,500 31% FSM Pohnpei 120 290 29% 1,110 11%

FSM Yap 110 0 100% 340 32% FSM Kosrae 160 0 100% 200 80% Guam 4,600 0 100% 4,600 100% RMI Majuro 620 0 100% 620 100% RMI Ebeye 170 0 100% 450 38% Palau 660 0 100% 660 100% Cook Islands 540 0 100% 540 100% Fiji 8,250 440 95% 26,750 31% Kiribati 1,440 0 100% 3,510 41% Nauru 420 0 100% 420 100% Niue 50 0 100% 50 100% Samoa 1,420 60 96% 6,000 24% Solomon Is. 5,320 540 91% 18,000 30% Tonga 920 580 61% 3,300 28% Tokelau 0 50 0% 50 0% Tuvalu 340 0 100% 340 100% Vanuatu 2,240 360 86% 8,400 27% Wallis and Futuna 460 0 100% 460 100%

PNG 9,150 540 94% 15,000 61% French Polynesia 250 0 100% 250 100%

Total 40,340 2860 93% 96,590 42%


Transport of Supplies [DFAT, PIHOA, UNICEF, UNOCHA, UNRCO, WFP, WHO]

• UNOCHA supported the integration of procurement data from UNFPA and UNOPS into the JIMT Dashboard

Humanitarian Pathway Flights* WFP organised the following flights: • Brisbane - Nadi - Kiribati • Fiji - Tonga on 10 October • Fiji - Kiribati on 11 October • Kuala Lumpur - Port Moresby - Nadi 13 October • Nadi - Port Moresby - Kuala Lumpur 14 October • Fiji - Nauru on 14 October • Fiji - Tuvalu on 14 October and 15 October

*flights scheduled to move WHO & UNICEF cargo and that held in the WFP warehouse in Nadi are already fully subscribed

WHO supported the delivery of PPE from both WHO and the Jack Ma Foundation to Fiji in the week of 28 September and Tonga on 10 October 2020:

Fiji PPE Delivery

Face shields 29,200

Goggles 2,000

Gowns 4,000

N95 Masks 35,000

Surgical masks 888,500

Facemasks 18,400

Tonga PPE Delivery

Face shields 5,000

Goggles 960

Gowns 3,000

N95 Masks 53,200

Surgical masks 700,000

Information and Planning Pillar Technical Area Support Provided / Update General [SPC, UNOCHA, WHO]

• WHO developed 21 country assistance summaries for PICs as a part of preparations for the 71st Regional Committee Meeting hosted online by WPRO

• OCHA rolled out a common tool that supports the mapping of achievements against the Results Monitoring Framework for the Phase II Plan

• OCHA and WHO are developing a draft process to streamline situation reporting for health sector actors, including the development of a new Situation Report template to begin reporting against the Phase II end-of-program outcomes

• OCHA & WHO worked with the Logistics Pillar to integrate partner inputs into the Pacific Logs Dashboard; now includes inputs from UNFPA, UNOPS, UNICEF & WHO

• WHO continues to produce a daily Regional Epidemiological Summary for PICs and JIMT partners


4. Agency Response Activities

Regional Activities Agency

• ADB is preparing additional financing for the Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project

ADB

• SPC developed technical materials for planned training sessions in PICs; epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 virus, conducting case interview, conducting contact tracing, PPE and IPC; the training materials are translated in both English and French and were shared with the JIMT

SPC

• UNICEF is distributing vaccines and immunisation devices on WFP flights to Nauru, Samoa and Kiribati

UNICEF

Fiji

Country specific activities Agency

• ADB has facilitated a USD $2,000,000 COVID-19 Emergency Response Grant through the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund with contribution from Government of Japan

ADB

• SPC continues to provide support for laboratory strengthening including support of Laboratory Quality Management Services implementation at Fiji CDC

SPC

• UNICEF supported the Fiji Ministry of Health draft a COVID-19 Nutrition Response Plan UNICEF

French Polynesia


• WHO Pacific Health Cluster Coordinator was re-deployed to French Polynesia on 22 September 2020 following a request from the Ministry of Health & Prevention for support in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases since the country's reopening in July

• Upcoming: WHO is supporting the deployment of a public health physician for an initial three months to support outbreak response, and an epidemiologist through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)

WHO

Kiribati


• UNICEF supported Kiribati MWYSSA with the development of Facebook messaging on SafeNet site with content including types of child protection, free helpline numbers, signs and symptoms of stress, police services for children and flashcards with child helplines

UNICEF

• IFRC conducted COVID-19 response and preparedness training for 66 pre-school teachers • IFRC dissemination key messages on COVID-19 and hygiene best practice through community

engagement, mass media (tv, radio, newspaper) and social media

IFRC


Marshall Islands, Republic of


• IOM continued the secondment of two staff to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to support COVID-19 preparedness and response in schools

• IOM and the NDMO launched a COVID-19 Mask Campaign Competition • IOM donated two mini X-ray machines to the Ministry of Health and Human Services • IOM conducted awareness outreach to 53 students, created a mask campaign for social media,

and met with the Taxi Drivers Association to discuss SOPs during a lockdown • IOM implemented point of entry (POE) training for 35 MALGOV police in Majuro and 57

participants from various departments in Ebeye

IOM

• WHO continued to support work around finalising the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Proposal

• WHO donated 1,000 Dengue Rapid Test Kits and Polio Stool Specimen Test Kits • WHO supported the mhGAP training and copies of the mhGAP Intervention Guide was provided

for the healthcare assistants training

WHO

Micronesia, Federated States of


• IOM support the construction of a water catchment system (WCS) at the Pohnlangas dispensary, Pohnpei State

• IOM constructed a handsfree handwashing stations and installed a WCS at Sapuk Community Health Centre in Chuuk State

• IOM trained 41 POE officials in Chuuk on POE roles and working closely with POE team in Yap • IOM participated in the 2nd round of the Yap RCCE household survey and supporting the 2nd draft

of the POE SOP • IOM donated and installed two incinerators and trained four operators at the Pohnpei State

Hospital • IOM constructed a rainwater catchment system at Neuo Community Health Centre, Chuuk

IOM

• WHO continues to work together with RCCE Pillar to develop and publish communication materials for FSM including the development of three COVID-19 videos and one advisory series has been created for Pohnpei State

• WHO continues to provide technical support and advice to the Department of Health including support for the development of SOPs for the Seaport, Dead Body Management and PPE usage

• WHO is working in partnership with UNICEF to develop a COVID-19 Vaccine Plan for FSM

WHO

Niue


• ADB facilitated a USD $500,000 COVID-19 Emergency Response Grant through the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund with contribution from Government of Japan

ADB

Palau


• WHO handed over PPE supplies to the Department of Health as part of JIMT Phase 2 supply WHO

• IFRC supported the deployment of Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) volunteers to Airai State to distribute hygiene kits and IEC materials to vulnerable families

IFRC


• IFRC supported PRCS volunteers also provide support to the Ministry of Health and continues to provide access to blood services and programs

Samoa


• IFRC supported the distribution of 1,000 Hygiene kits were distributed to vulnerable households in Upolu and Savai’i

• IFRC supported vulnerability assessments were completed in Savai’i

IFRC

Vanuatu

Country specific needs and activities Agency

• WHO support phase 2 of repatriations and quarantines which commenced 1 August 2020; a total of 1,325 persons have been received as of 14 October 2020 (mainly seasonal workers returning from Australia and New Zealand) with additional repatriation flights planned until early December 2020

• WHO provided technical support to health operations for repatriations and quarantining, including for information management, daily monitoring, psychosocial surveys and support, and discharging

• WHO continues to co-lead the Vanuatu Incident Management Team (through the National Health Emergency Operations centre) and membership on Health Technical Advisory Group

• WHO is providing technical assistance for revision of and consultation on National Health Sector COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan

• WHO is providing technical support to appraise options for contact tracing and data management for quarantines

• WHO is supporting the formalisation of the IPC strategy using COVID-19 focused work as the entry point

• WHO provided technical support for IPC, including training for persons supporting quarantine procedures and for guiding quality control of locally produced fabric masks and face shields

• WHO delivered technical support for risk communications activities, including to manage stigma for those released from quarantine

• WHO provided technical guidance in defining health measures for safe business operations, including for travel and tourism sectors

• WHO supported a training of trainers for COVID-19 preparedness activities at provincial level, including hospital readiness

• WHO supported coordination and consultation for introduction of vaccine through the COVAX Facility, including country readiness assessment

WHO

Wallis & Futuna


• SPC delivered a training workshop for 16 healthcare workers and managers involved in COVID-19 contact tracing between 17-23 September 2020 including table-top simulation exercises

• SPC is currently testing the RCCE posters and COVID-19 video developed for Wallis and Futuna • SPC is supporting the pilot of the initial KAP survey in residential areas and local health facilities;

feedback from this process will help guide the next version for the KAP survey

SPC


5. Links to Data Repositories, Dashboards and Situation Reports • External repository of COVID-19 guidance documents and technical materials adapted for the Pacific context • Pacific COVID-19 Case Dashboard summarising the epidemiological situation in the Pacific • Logistics dashboard of information regarding delivery of GeneXpert kits • Pacific Air Transport Services of regular updates and details on travel/cargo services, restrictions and guidance

in the Pacific • WHO Global Situation Reports • WHO COVID-19 Global Situation Dashboard

Contact: [email protected]

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