Regional
PACIFIC ISLANDS — A powerful cyclone that hit the Pacific Island nations this week bringing death, injuries and destruction cannot be allowed to disrupt containment efforts against the spread of the coronavirus, officials in the region said.
Cyclone Harold, a Category 5 storm with winds in excess...
Honolulu, HAWAII — A total of 442 people in Hawaii have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus, according to the state Department of Health.
Seven new cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours, DOH said Thursday.
Oahu now has 334 cases, up by six cases from 328 on Wednesday. Hawaii...
Apia, SAMOA — As the Samoa government’s $66.3 million tala stimulus package was being debated and mostly praised in Parliament by various MPs, a handicraft stall owner at the Savalalo market in central Apia was counting the $5 tala he managed to earn in sales for the day.
Mareko Mareko of Vaitele...
Honolulu, HAWAII — A Maui resident has died from COVID-19, bringing Hawaii’s death toll for the coronavirus to six, according to data from the Hawaii Department of Health released just prior to noon Wednesday. Four of the deaths have occurred on Oahu and two on Maui.
There are now 435 confirmed...
Nuku'alofa, TONGA — Tonga residents are being told to hunker down and prepare for the arrival of Cyclone Harold Thursday morning (Tonga time).
Tonga's Met Service issued out a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory for the country.
Storm force wind warnings were in place for Tongatapu and 'Eua...
Honolulu, HAWAII — Hawaii reported its fifth COVID-19 death Monday while the total number of cases statewide grew by 16 to 387. As of Sunday, there have been over 13,500 coronavirus tests conducted statewide by private and state labs and in drive-thru testing sites being held around the state.
The...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Parliament is in urgent session as members debate a $US23.6 million stimulus package to deal with the impacts of the global Covid-19 pandemic and to assist the local economy.
It is the second supplementary budget in less than three months after the first for the current...
Honolulu, HAWAII — It’s been nearly two weeks since Gov. David Ige issued a mandatory “stay-at-home” order for all Hawaii residents in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. But for some, home is not the safest place.
“In these times, unfortunately, domestic violence ticks up,” said Hawaii Lt. Gov...
Nuku'alofa, TONGA — As countries across the Pacific implement measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, women's advocates are concerned what it might mean for vulnerable people in violent relationships.
A family advocate in Tonga said the national lockdown and closing of borders had added stress...
Honolulu, HAWAII — Saturday’s COVID-19 numbers reflected a 32 case jump, bringing the state’s total to 351.
Health offcials also reported the states 4th apparent COVID-19 related death.
The fourth death, according to the Department of Health, was an elderly East Oahu man. Officials clarified...