This month: The Pitcairn Islands
What are the Pitcairn Islands?
A group of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that form the sole British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are scattered across several hundred miles of ocean and have a combined land area of about 18 square miles. Pitcairn is the least populous national jurisdiction in the world.
Has it been in the news?
Yes, COVID-19-free Pitcairn Island resumed welcoming cruise ships, yachts and other international visitors from 31 March after nearly two years of border closures to protect its vulnerable population.
How many people live on the islands?
The census of December 2017 gave a total of 49 permanent residents and five expatriates. The majority of Pitcairn Islanders are descended from the nine mutineers of His Majesty’s Armed Vessel Bounty who landed on uninhabited Pitcairn Island in 1790, with six Polynesian men, twelve Polynesian women, and an infant girl.
And how many of the inhabitants are vaccinated?
As of February 2022, the WHO reported a total of 106 vaccine doses administered (with 46 people vaccinated with at least one dose and 37 of those fully vaccinated).
What measures have they got in place to ensure they stay COVID free?
Strict COVID-safe protocols have been introduced, which include all prospective visitors providing proof of vaccination at the time of booking, returning a negative PCR test within 72-hours prior to boarding and self-isolating for seven days (except for the PCR test) before departure.
Image credit | Shutterstock
