The two identified COVId-19 positive cases have recovered and released from hospital after testing negative two times, 24 hours apart after nearly 14 days in quarantine according to Ministry of Health & Human Services announcement on Sunday, September 5, 2021.
Currently there are no active travel cases, no active community cases, 2 recovered travel cases, 2 historical cases (tested positive for past infection but not contagious according to MHSS) and one in quarantine (traced contact tested negative and pending final test result after day 10 test).
MHSS update as of yesterday states that 14,560 adults are fully vaccinated and 1087 adolescents (12 to 17 years old) are also fully vaccinated bringing the total population full vaccinated against COVID-19 to 15,647 or 89% of the total projected population of 17,651.
High vaccination rate cited by President Whipps as the main layer of defense Palau has against COVID-19. Other layers of protection include rigorous testing process for incoming passengers. Testing is required 72 hours prior to boarding an aircraft to Palau, testing upon arrival at the airport and testing on day 5 after arrival. These “layers of protection” said Whipps, allows Palau to continue to keep its borders open for vaccinated adult travelers. (L.N. Reklai)