KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — A medical epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. W. Thane Hancock said Palau is one of the first countries to have beaten Covid-19
“Palau has done an amazing job vaccinating their community and, in my opinion, have ended the Covid threat to their community. One of the first countries to do so,” he added.
In a message to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Hancock praised Palau’s efforts that began with a border closure and screening at the very first report regarding Covid-19 in March 2020, and bolstered by subsequent measures including the vaccination of its population.
Whipps said “we don’t want to praise ourselves,” but statements from experts such as Dr. Hancock highlight the hard work of Palau’s Ministry of Health and all of the people that have been in the forefront of the response to the pandemic, the president added.
“We give credit to the people at the Ministry of Health, the [Emergency Operations Center], people like Ritter Udui, Gaafar Uherbelau, Sher Madraisau, Darnelle Worswick, and of course Dr. Ngirachisau Mekoll and all those at the Ministry of Health that worked to protect us,” the president said.
Over 96% of Palau’s total adult population have been fully vaccinated and over 75% of the total population have been fully vaccinated.
Because of its high vaccination rate, Palau has eased some of its restrictions.
But traveling to Palau still requires full vaccination, a negative PCR test at least three days prior to departure, and one test in Palau on the fifth day of arrival.
Upon arrival, no quarantine is required for a vaccinated traveler, only a five-day restricted movement. A traveler only needs to present the required documents to the airline before purchasing a ticket to Palau.
Due to Palau’s high vaccination rate, Whipps said they are now considering allowing charter flights from South Korea under the “opening with care” policy.
