2 Feb 2022

Omicron variant confirmed in Kiribati

From , 6:02 am on 2 February 2022

Health authorities in Kiribati have received confirmation from laboratories in Australia that the variant of Covid-19 they are dealing with is Omicron.

Cases in the country passed the 400 mark yesterday although the minister of health Tinte Itinteang says this is not the complete picture as there do not have the  capacity for mass testing.

Dr Itinteang says they have been fortunate so far not to have any Covid-19 deaths or people getting critically ill from the virus.

Beach and traditional hut surrounded by wall of tyres

The tyre wall helps protect buildings from the tide on Tarawa in Kiribati. Photo: RNZ / Chris Bramwell