Pacific Waves for 18 August 2021

While pressure on Papua New Guinea's hospitals from Covid-19 appears to have eased, but with little information on positive cases or deaths, there is concern PNG may be asleep to the full extent of the outbreak; There are strong calls to fast-track vaccinating Fiji's smaller islands which are at threat from the spread of covid-19 from the main land; There are hopes in Bougainville a vessel that handles rough seas will soon be in operation to service the outer islands.