People’s Republic of China Donates 30 Containerized Isolation Rooms to the FSM; 10 for Pohnpei, 12 for Chuuk, 4 for Yap, and 4 for Kosrae

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FSM Information Services Press Release

People’s Republic of China Donates 30 Containerized Isolation Rooms to the FSM; 10 for Pohnpei, 12 for Chuuk, 4 for Yap, and 4 for Kosrae  

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On October 16th, 2020, the Honorable Kandhi A. Elieisar, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Honorable Livingston A. Taulung, Secretary of the Department of Health & Social Affairs, joined His Excellency Huang Zheng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (China), in a formal handover ceremony for the Nation’s receipt of thirty (30) containerized isolation units. The isolation units are intended to hold individuals who are either persons under investigation for COVID-19 or confirmed cases thereof.  

From the outside, the isolation units have the appearance of an appropriately eye-catching standardized shipping container. Internally, the isolation units offer accommodations consistent with quality hotel rooms, including comfortable bedding, powerful air-conditioning, and hot water. Each isolation unit uses standardized fabrication components, with modular doors and windows built through a mechanized assembly process. Comprehensive electromechanical wiring and FSM-specific customization will help ensure that, in the event the Nation receives a potential case of COVID-19, that the suspected individual is simultaneously treated with both the safety of the public and their own dignity in mind.  

It is the intent of the Government that the isolation units be equitably shared across the Nation. As such, Pohnpei State will receive ten units; Chuuk State will receive twelve units; Kosrae State will receive four units; and Yap State will receive four units.  

Ambassador Huang spoke about how COVID-19 is a common threat to the human race, and that assisting the FSM in combatting the virus is consistent with China Aid’s fundamental principles of equality, mutual benefit, openness, and sustainability.  

Secretary Taulung remarked in his statements about the Nation’s sincere appreciation for the isolation units, noting that when the Nation’s travel restrictions first began on January 31st, 2020, that the FSM had four isolation rooms in total.  

“We are grateful to the assistance we receive from our development partners, which are invaluable to us,” Secretary Taulung said. “These isolation units are a monumental accomplishment for all of us. I extend our utmost appreciation to you, Ambassador Huang, and to all of you who work so tirelessly to prepare the FSM for repatriation of its citizens stranded abroad whilst retaining our COVID-19 free status.”

  IT Update: For technical reasons we are still figuring out, this release's formatting and photo keeps disappearing when we edit the article itself. The PDF can be found here: https://gov.fm/files/PR/PR_iso_rooms_Oct_19_2020_cleared_for_dissemination.pdf