Covid-19 concerns mean no soldiers will be able to get on the ground to help people in Vanuatu impacted by Cyclone Harold.

The category five system has destroyed homes and crops in the northern islands.

Vanuatu Business Resilience Council chair Glen Craig told Kate Hawkesby Vanuatu is so far free of Covid-19 but strict quarantine rules are in place.

He says a France-Australia-New Zealand military alliance is on standby.

Craig says aircraft will drop cargo but there won't be boots on the ground.

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