COVID-19 pandemic in Wallis and Futuna

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== COVID-19 Pandemic in Wallis and Futuna ==

The COVID-19 pandemic in Wallis and Futuna is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The French overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on 16 October 2020.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The virus primarily spreads between people through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, and talking. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces.

Timeline

• 16 October 2020: The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Wallis and Futuna. The individual had traveled from France and was in quarantine upon arrival.
• 23 October 2020: A second case was reported, also linked to travel from France.
• March 2021: A significant outbreak occurred, leading to the first local transmission cases. The local government imposed strict measures to control the spread, including lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Government Response

The government of Wallis and Futuna implemented several measures to curb the spread of the virus:

• **Quarantine and Isolation**: Mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving from affected areas.
• **Lockdowns**: Imposed during periods of local transmission to limit movement and social interactions.
• **Testing and Contact Tracing**: Increased testing capacity and rigorous contact tracing to identify and isolate cases.

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on Wallis and Futuna:

• **Healthcare System**: Strain on the local healthcare system, which has limited capacity to handle a large number of cases.
• **Economy**: Economic disruptions due to lockdowns and reduced travel and tourism.
• **Education**: Temporary closure of schools and a shift to remote learning where possible.

Vaccination

The vaccination campaign in Wallis and Futuna began in early 2021, with priority given to healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. The vaccines used were primarily those approved by the WHO for emergency use.

See Also

• COVID-19 pandemic
• COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania
• Public health emergency of international concern
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

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