With a population of 292,000, the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, made up of 80 islands, had been spared the impact of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, having recorded no cases of the virus.
That ended last week, when a 23-year-old man returned from the United States and tested positive for the virus while in mandatory quarantine upon his return, CNN reports. While this individual was isolated, the national health ministry is urging people who may have had contact with him, including those on the flight that brought him to the island, to isolate.
“Physical distancing and personal protection measures were applied and maintained during the flight, throughout the arrival process, during transport to and during registration at the quarantine facility,” the health ministry said in a news release.
The virus has spread to 217 nations and independent territories around the world.