Mereja.Forum

New Zealand may be COVID-free, but these other countries beat coronavirus first

By Dannielle Maguire

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-09/ ... s/12335256

Posted 2 days ago



We heard yesterday about New Zealand eliminating coronavirus, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-08/ ... n/12332662 with Prime Minister Jacinda Arden announcing that all social distancing restrictions were being lifted, except for border closures.

But New Zealand wasn't the first country to eradicate the virus — there are at least eight other countries that have already done so.

But first, the rules

It's important to point out that we're only counting the countries that reported cases and got down to zero active cases.

So countries that have not reported a coronavirus case, such as Samoa and Tonga, don't count.

Johns Hopkins University's COVID Tracking Project has a list of 188 countries and regions with reported cases — that list also includes the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

We've listed countries below after going through that list, checking the total cases against their reported recoveries and death tolls.

And, look, we don't want to take away from New Zealand's victory.

The countries below have small populations and most only reported a handful of cases.

Our mates across the ditch had a total of 1,504 confirmed and probable cases of the virus; much more than Montenegro's 324.

Montenegro

This coastal European nation, nestled among Albania, Serbia and Croatia, declared itself COVID-free back on May 25.

That was 69 days after its first case was reported.

As we said above, there were 324 cases in the country. Nine people died from the virus and 315 people recovered.

For context, the Balkan republic has a population of 620,000.

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic proudly declared it the

first coronavirus-free country in Europe

during a press conference where he ripped off his facemask.

Foreign nationals have been able to enter Montenegro without needing to quarantine since June 1, but public gatherings are still capped at 200 people. https://www.oecd.org/south-east-europe/ ... enegro.pdf

Eritrea

Eritrea, which shares borders with Sudan and Ethiopia in northeast Africa, reported 39 cases of the virus with a population 5.2 million.

The outbreak there kicked off in March, when a traveller arrived from Norway.

It got down to zero active cases http://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/ ... -of-health on May 15. The Johns Hopkins map reflects that, with the data showing 39 cases had recovered.

But according to a post on the state-run Stabait.com, http://www.shabait.com/news/local-news/ ... n-covid-19 random testing in Eritrea's capital Asmara picked up one positive result when they tested a woman on June 2.

Her husband subsequently tested positive too, which should take the country's current case number to at least two, although that doesn't appear to be reflected by the Johns Hopkins data.

Although flights to and from Eritrea have been stopped since the outbreak of COVID-19, travel to the country through land and sea routes continue unabated,

the Government said in a statement on June 3.

The fight against the pandemic must continue relentlessly and with the requisite vigour.

And until the necessary comprehensive review and appraisal is finalised, the guidelines in force for the last two months will be eased incrementally.

There have been no deaths recorded.


Eritrea conducted widespread precautionary testing earlier this month.(CARE USA)

Timor-Leste

Like Eritrea, Timor-Leste recorded zero active cases https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-16/ ... n/12254438 on May 15.

Its first case was reported on March 21 and its last case was recorded on April 24.

The small nation, one of Australia's closest neighbours, recorded 24 cases in total.

To put that into perspective, Timor-Leste has a population of 1.3 million and is surrounded by Indonesian islands; with Indonesia recording more than 32,000 cases.

There were no coronavirus deaths in Timor-Leste, with most cases being young students who had only mild symptoms.

Fiji

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama declared the country free of the virus on Friday.

And even with our testing numbers climbing by the day, it's now been 45 days since we recorded our last case,

he tweeted.

With no deaths, our recovery rate is 100 per cent. Answered prayers, hard work, and affirmation of science.

Fiji recorded 18 cases, with a population of 899,000.

It reported its first case on March 19, which saw a ban on gatherings of more than 20 people and prompted Fiji Rugby Union to suspend all games.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

There were 15 cases reported in Saint Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean with a population of 55,000.

All cases were travel-related, its Government said.

Zero deaths were recorded from the virus, with the Government announcing that all patients had recovered https://www.sknis.kn/all-15-confirmed-c ... GvCNWZV-2c on May 18.

But on May 29, Prime Minister Timothy Harris said borders would remain closed https://www.sknis.kn/borders-remain-clo ... v404oPs4Qk to protect residents from the virus.


Mount Liamuiga is on the island of Saint Kitts.
A tourist hotspot, all the cases reported in Saint Kitts and Nevis were travel-related.(Instagram: Amarieley)

Holy See

The territory in Rome, Italy reported a total of 12 cases of coronavirus and zero deaths from its population of about 800.

The Vatican City News reported there were no cases of the virus https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-c ... ative.html in the city on Saturday, saying the last person who was reported sick tested negative for the virus.

The 108-acre city state reported its first case https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-07/ ... e/12035822 on March 6, with Pope Francis and those working close to him tested for the virus as a precaution later that month.

Seychelles

The island nation, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, recorded 11 cases, with Seychelles Public Health Commissioner Jude Gedeon declaring all patients had recovered https://www.africanews.com/2020/05/19/s ... -covid19// on May 18.

There were no deaths.

Comprised of 115 islands, Seychelles has a population of 94,000.

Despite being clear of the virus, locals are still being reminded to keep up with hygiene and social distancing guidelines, but airports were open to passengers from low-risk countries on June 1, https://www.facebook.com/mohseychelleso ... =3&theater provided they prove their negative COVID-19 status upon entry.


Seychelles still has strict rules for travellers.(Reuters: Susana Vera)

Papua New Guinea

Just eight cases were reported in PNG, which has a population of about 8 million.

The small outbreak there started on March 20, with the Government confirming that all patients had recovered file:///C:/Users/maguired8u/Downloads/PNGSR19PCOVID-19(2020-05-03)%20(2).pdf on May 3.

PNG's cases were only relatively mild, with just two people hospitalised and no one dying from the virus.

In honor of our martyred Heroines and Heroes, the education must continue! Please join us as we're building Eritrea @AmanNebiat

In Eritrea, usually, this is the best season for fishing in the Red Sea. The good news is that the artisanal fisherman in southren red sea region harvested over 135 tons of pelagic fish in last two-three months during the pandemic of corona virus, means alot.
(Ismail Mussa: @IsmailM55208988)




Artisanal fishermen in Eritrea's Southern Red Sea Region have adapted their trade to comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, although reduced number of occupants translate into reduced catch and much less revenues.
(Yemane G. Meskel: @hawelti)

Aite zombie,

Eritrea is in self imposed quarantine since long. Recently it closed all of its communications worldwide due to korona, asmara airport and all border crossing points are off-limits.No need for bragging here.

Regarding the news which you broke, any eritrean who has even an iota of love for eritrea will be pleased provided the news is authentic.

On another issue,

12000 pamphlets were distributed in asmara on Monday (three days ago) demanding the end of higdef rule.This shows Eris back home ain't asleep and this is good news while they are trying to awaken those who are in hibernation.

Harii kelbi, shush!

kerenite wrote: ↑

11 Jun 2020, 12:44

Aite zombie,

Eritrea is in self imposed quarantine since long. Recently it closed all of its communications worldwide due to korona, asmara airport and all border crossing points are off-limits.No need for bragging here.

Regarding the news which you broke, any eritrean who has even an iota of love for eritrea will be pleased provided the news is authentic.

On another issue,

12000 pamphlets were distributed in asmara on Monday (three days ago) demanding the end of higdef rule.This shows Eris back home ain't asleep and this is good news while they are trying to awaken those who are in hibernation.

The Norwegian-Eritrean cartoonist Josef Yohannes together with his mother, Melite Yohannes, who is his great role model and hero. Photo: Ingunn Larsen

11 JUNI 2020

Norwegian superheroes wrote book with mother in Eritrea: - Mom is my hero!

http://www.mynewsdesk.com/no/cappelen-d ... lt-3007206

(Software translation)

Josef Yohannes is up to date with his new superhero comic book, "I'm The Urban Legend," which is being released this week. The book is a tribute to his greatest inspirer; his own mother.

The Oslo author traveled with the mother of her home country, Eritrea in 2014. There they did research into the origin of the superhero, which is the basis of this book. It is based on true stories of the family and dramatic events in the country that have been at war for almost 30 years. -

The journey was a powerful spiritual experience,

says Josef Yohannes.

He thanks his mother for the tour of Eritrea and for telling the poignant stories that laid the foundation for the new book about the black superhero.

The mother is depicted in the book

I have always felt that I owed my mother a lot. She has given me values, strength and motivation throughout my life. The new book is a tribute to her, for everything she stands for and has sacrificed for her family to do well. The hometown of superhero The Urban Legend is actually my mother's hometown, the place she lived in until she left Eritrea in 1974. The mother of The Urban Legend is included in this book and the character is based on my own mother. She's a real superhero!

(Josef Yohannes).

Season 3

In the third book in the series, readers get an insight into the life of superhero Malcolm as a youth in Eritrea. The book gives a deeper insight into the character of the superhero and gives a truthful account of his family. It also tells of the war-torn Eritrea. Among other things, the author has portrayed the dramatic death of his grandfather, who was shot and killed during a church massacre.

This book is in many ways a personal journey. Working with my mom taught me that we all have the opportunity to create and change things, but that every change always starts with one,

says Josef Yohannes.

Proud of the son who inspires thousands of youth
Joseph's mother, Melite Yohannes, left the war-torn homeland of Europe to find a safer life for her family. -

We created a happy home in Norway, a country that has given us a lot. Seeing that my son's work inspires thousands of young people who need a strong role model makes me proud,

says the mother.

The strong woman is politically active and is the leader of the Eritrean Women's Association in Norway.

Facts:

• Josef Yohannes was born in Copenhagen in 1980 and moved to Oslo when he was nine years old.

• Yohannes has created the first global, black superhero that inspires children and young people around the world

• The book "I am Urban Legend" is Josef Yohannes` third comic book about the superhero -The Urban Legend.

• The everyday superhero fights for the weak and keeps the world safe without superpowers.

• The Urban Legend is a school curriculum in Norway.

• The Urban Legend is available in 9 languages

• Josef Yohannes is ambassador for "The Nelson Mandela Foundation"

• Web: www.theurbanlegend.no

• Contact info Josef Yohannes: Mobile: 450 83 751 / E-mail: [email protected]

• Contact info in the publisher, Anne Østgaard: Mobile: 971 64 649 / E-mail: [email protected]

This Day in Eritrea's History.

On April 27, 1993, the United States recognized the State of Eritrea when the American consulate at Asmara informed Eritrean authorities of this decision on the same date Eritrea declared its independence.



Diplomatic relations between Eritrea & the US were established on June 11, 1993, when the American consulate at Asmara was raised to Embassy status with Joseph P. O’Neill as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. The first U.S Ambassador arrived later that year.

The U.S Consulate was first opened in Asmara on Jul 1, 1942 because the US had an Army group, Signal Corps & Army Sec. Agency. It also kept Washington informed on a daily basis about the report/recommendations of the UN Commission sent by UNGA, to inquire about the wish of the people of Eritrea.



On Nov. 22, 1941, the earliest U.S. military personnel led by Major Crawford Sams, the mission surgeon of the United States Military North African Mission arrived in Eritrea from Cairo to complete sanitary surveys.

The earliest military advisors & contract civilians in Eritrea were as part of the Lend-Lease program authorized in Mar 1941, to provide all kinds of war materials to the British and other allies. Lend-Lease, was substantially planned and administered by the military.



On Nov. 19, 1941 in a secret meeting the USA decided to establish an airbase in Gurae, Eritrea to support British Royal Air Force. The Project was named: Project 19. Douglas Aircraft civilians arrived in big numbers in mid-year 1942, when the steamer Rajula arrived at Massawa.



In Mar 1942, 120 Douglas engineers and other staff came with the men of the Hamilton Standard Propeller Corporation of East Hartford, Connecticut (once the world’s largest manufacturer of aircraft propellers) arrived by ship to Eritrea.



The US maintained; Asmara Arsenal, Massawa Naval Ops. (port & navy repair facilities), Eritrea Service Command (covering Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, Eritrea, French Somaliland, Aden, & all of Arabia south of the Persian Gulf), Ferrying & Transport Asmara Field & American Volunteer Guard.

U.S. medical service in Eritrea began in early February 1942, with the arrival of Capt. Thomas C. Brandon. With a male nurse, an X-ray technician, & 6 hospital attendants--all civilians-- he established dispensaries at Asmara & Gura, Massawa & at Ghinda.


Pic Ghinda Housing Comp

_____________

On Aug 5,1993 the Eritrean EMBASSY opened & Mr. Hagos G/hiwet was appointed Amb Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary, on Oct 1, 1993. Mr. Hagos submitted diplomatic credentials to Pres Clinton as the 1st Amb to the US. On Nov 3,1995- Eri EMB. raised its flag in Washington DC for the 1st time.

ተጋዳላይ ሃይለ ሃይሉ (ዓረቦ) ቅድሚ 1982 ናብ ቅድመ ግንባር ከም ተዋጋኢ ሰራዊት ተመዲቡ ምኽያዱ: ኣነን ንሱን ምስ ካልኦት 3ብጾትና ኣብ ሓሊበት ሰሜናዊ ምብራቅ ሳሕል ናይቲ ግንባር ኣከፋፈልቲ መድሃኒት ተመዲብና ብሓንሳብ ንሰርሕ ነርና። ዓረቦ ንጡፍ፣ ሓዉ፣ ምሓዛ፣ ልዑል ተወፋይነትን ብጻያዊ ሓልዬትን ዝመልኦ ብጻይ እዩ ነይሩ።
ኣብ 1982 ምስ 9ይ ርእሱ ካብ ሙሉእ ፋርማሲ ተዋጺኦም: ነቲ ክሳብ ዓንቀሩ ዓጢቁ ዝህንደድ ዝነበረ ሰራዊት ደርግ 6ይ ወራር ንምፍሻል ንቅድመ ግንባር ከቲቱ።

ድሕሪ ምፍሻል 6ይን ሰላሕታ ወራርን: ብ1984 ኣብ ከባቢ ማይላም ኣባል ክ/ሰራዊት 85 ኣብ ዝነበረሉ ግዜ ኣብዝተኻየደ ኲናት ብጅግንነት ተሰዊኡ።

ሓርበኛ ኣይነብርን ታሪኹዩ ዝውረስ!
ዘልኣለማዊ ዝኽሪ ንሰማእታትና
ዓወት ንሓፋሽ!!
(Teclweini Nebiel: @teclweini)

ኣሻብ ደኣሎም 'ዞም ወፋሮ ኣብ ቃሉሊ በጺሖም ድሮ፧!
ሰናኽትለይ 'ቲ ሕምባሻ፡ ንቃሉሊ ኣሎኒ መገሻ!