To contain the spread of the coronavirus, Kiribati reduced physical contact among government staff by introducing in March electronic payment of salaries of those who were previously paid in cash.
Many government employees who didn’t have bank accounts before the pandemic were obliged to open them.
The Pacific nation also started processing online documents for incoming vessels and flights bringing essential goods or repatriating foreigners, to enhance physical distancing among border security staff.
Further, the government updated its national trade portal with information on other measures taken to combat COVID-19 and useful links to critical services, for ease of access.