Norfolk Island Nine Months Since First Confirmed Covid Cases December 2021 to September 2022

This week is nine months since the first confirmed cases of Covid-19 was recorded on Norfolk Island on 30^th December 2021. Many months have passed and there have now been over 1000 recorded cases of Covid-19 on Norfolk Island which include locals and visitors.

Two and half years ago, the shock of the World Corona-virus Pandemic hit and since the official date, 11 March 2020, countries around the world have adjusted to changes as so many people died after contracting this contagious virus, while others now live with fatigue or other lasting effects, since having Covid-19. The Pandemic has left its mark on communities from all corners of the world and the closed borders was a shock everyone.

I am sure most of us have experienced the restrictions of isolation or maybe caught the Covid-19 virus. Amazingly some people have very light symptoms while others experience nasty coughs, body aches and other symptoms like the influenza and bad colds.

During the past year on Norfolk Island, there has been a few virus out breaks which caused concern, especially when medical staff were also affected, plus the impact on those who had complications after catching Covid-19. During 2022, there have been many community and sporting events cancelled or postponed. There were months of restrictions requiring or advising everyone to wear face masks and to wash or sanitize hands, also, if unwell to stay home and test for covid. The message to everyone was to “stay kind to everyone, remember it is not a crime to get sick”.

Norfolk Island Health & Residential Aged Care Service, “NIHRACS” have had an extremely busy year with Covid testing, booster vaccines and many months of strict rules on entry into the hospital and doctor’s clinics as they keep patients, staff and the community safe. A big thank you to everyone involved and the long hours they are all working to assist those in need.

If you need medical assistance, please call NIHRACS

In an emergency, please call 000 immediately.

To make an appointment at the GP Clinic call (0011) 6723 24134

The regulations have changed during recent months and Covid-19 vaccines and booster vaccines have also been available for the community and there has been Covid Antigen Tests (RAT) tests and PCR testing for Covid-19.

NIHRACS COVID-19 Update

Latest figures: As of midnight 27 September

Total number of COVID-19 cases since start of outbreak: 1027

Current number of active cases in isolation: 9

Total number of hospitalisations since outbreak started: 123

Total medivacs since outbreak started: 5

Daily updated number of confirmed cases: range for 0 - 3 cases per day

This year the Norfolk Island State of Emergency was ceased two months ago on the 29 July 2022, this had been in place since 17 March 2020. The regulations are now replaced by general public health directives, here are some of the latest updates issued this week.

Changed COVID requirements in effect

The COVID public health directions for Norfolk Island in relation to isolation periods and mask-wearing have now been updated, following recent changes to national protocols.

From 28 September 2022, the isolation period for COVID-19 positive cases has been reduced from seven days to five days, providing people have no symptoms.

Workers in a healthcare setting must still isolate for seven days.

Updated advice is being provided to positive cases by NIHRACS as required.

From this date, the requirement for wearing masks on public transport (including the school bus, tourist buses and taxis) has been removed. Again, this is in line with changes across Australia.

Masks must still be worn at NIHRACS

Mask-wearing on aircraft and at Norfolk Island International Airport also came to an end, from 16 September 2022.

Please refer to the NIHRACS website or Facebook page for regular updates on COVID-19 case numbers, public health advice and vaccination programs.

Borders between Australian States have re-opened this year and borders of other countries are now re-opening for travellers. Here on Norfolk Island, it is fantastic to have Air Chatham flights return with weekly passenger services with New Zealand, I am personally relieved that we don’t need travel visas to travel to see family and friends in Kiwiland.

Even though restrictions have lifted, please remember to keep yourself and loved ones safe and to remember even though many of us have had vaccines, it is wise to remain Covid Safe and if possible, continue to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Thank you to the medical staff and support teams and the long days helping the community adjust to the covid world and the dangers living in a World Corona-virus Pandemic.

Together we can help stop the spread of Covid on Norfolk Island.

Take care everyone, have a safe and healthy 2022.

Betty Matthews

September 2022