August 24, 2021 (Koror, Palau) – Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and the Olbiil Er A Kelulau hosted the 2nd Joint Leadership Meeting to address Palauʻs newly found positive COVID-19 cases. Dr. Haley Cash, PIHOA NCD Regional Epidemiologist for the USAPIs, joined the discussion as a special guest along with Dr. Thane Hancock, CDC Epidemiologist, Ritter Udui, Palau MOHHS Incident Commander, Gaafar Uherbelau, Palau MOHHS Deputy Incident Commander, and Dr. Victor Yano, EOC Public Health Advisor. Whipps said that Palau has been preparing for this moment. Palau is no longer COVID-free, but it is COVID safe, with protections and mitigation measures in place to protect it from the “feared effects” of COVID-19.
(Photo Credit – Office of the President, Republic of Palau)