Western Pacific: Countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 disease activity as of Aug. 26 /update 16

Event

Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of Aug. 26. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases July 29-Aug. 26. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks.

Very high risk of transmission

• Fiji

• French Polynesia

• Guam

• Malaysia

High risk of transmission

• Brunei Darussalam

• Japan

• Laos

• Philippines

• Vietnam

Moderate risk of transmission

• Australia

• Cambodia

• Northern Mariana Islands

• South Korea

Low risk of transmission

• Hong Kong SAR

• Macau SAR

• Mainland China

• New Caledonia

• New Zealand

• Papua New Guinea

• Singapore

• Taiwan

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, though this distribution is unequal among countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
New England Journal of Medicine: COVID-19 FAQs