COVID-19 Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services has confirmed 201 new Covid-19 cases in the community on South Tarawa (Betio and Buota) through PCR tests; the new patients are in home quarantine with mild symptoms, bringing the national total to 1,744 (42 imported and 1,702 local on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, plus 32 in Butaritari), while an 80-year-old woman remains admitted to the isolation centre. School Disruption: With the country still on alert level 3, the Ministry of Education has cancelled the first term of school scheduled for 14 February and will shift to remote learning, with details on when schools will resume to be announced later. Health Funding for Kiribati: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Kiribati government have signed an US$11 million grant to support the new Betio Hospital, aiming to strengthen health services for South Tarawa and outer islands, with completion and operations targeted for the end of Q2 2028.