Palau No Longer 'COVID-Free' As 2 Travelers From Guam Test Positive For Virus

Palau has lost its "COVID-free" status after it reported its first two cases in the country.

The Republic of Palau reported its first cases of COVID-19 Saturday after two travelers from Guam tested positive for the virus the day before. Prior to the confirmation, the nation reported zero confirmed cases and zero deaths to the World Health Organization (WHO) from Jan. 3, 2020.

The patients tested negative for the disease prior to their departure, AFP reported, but they eventually tested positive in the compulsory test five days after arriving in Palau. Because of the cases, President Surangel Whipps noted that the country has turned from being COVID-free to COVID-safe, AFP noted.

In a statement released Sunday, the country's Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) announced it has completed the initial contact tracing and investigations on the two cases, in which they found 24 close contacts of the two patients. All of the close contacts have tested negative but will get tested again on day three.

"Based on these test results and other considerations, the Bureau of Public Health will continue to monitor the situation," MHHS said.

It also urged the public to "remain calm" and continue practicing preventative measures such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask "as appropriate," covering coughs, getting vaccinated and staying home if sick.

"At this time, public services including schools and government offices and facilities, will continue to operate as usual," the agency noted. "We continue to thank the community for its support and understanding."

The cases were confirmed just a week after Palau and Taiwan resumed quarantine-free travel, Taipei Times reported. This was first launched in April 1 but was suspended in May after a local outbreak in Taiwan.

Under the "Palau-Taiwan travel bubble," Taiwanese tourists are allowed to visit Palau with eased health protocols. Palau was also offering 2,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the Taiwanese travelers who will visit the nation under the program.

To protect Taiwanese and Palauans, Taiwan is set to review the measures depending on how the situation would change, as per Taipei Times.

For now, those planning to visit Palau are advised to check the guidelines for any updates or changes.