By: Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
Samoa’s first recorded Delta COVID-19 positive case remains asymptomatic following a series of tests since he arrived from Fiji on December 09th 2021.
Even after discharged and released to go home after spending 4 weeks in isolation, the young man was again tested negative five days later.
In total, after initially testing positive three times since he arrived, the young man was SWAB more than 20 times while in isolation after independent tests conducted in New Zealand also tested positive.
Throughout his four weeks in quarantine, he was subjected to random testing after every two to three days.
And the same scheduled tests for all the 134 passengers who arrived on the same flight also came out negative.
The uplifting negative results is without a doubt, a huge relief for the country, and in particular the National Emergency Operation Center, (NEOC) the frontliners for almost two years since the COVID-19 pandemic invaded the globe including Samoa.
“The tests were necessary and reflects our zero tolerance approach to protect our borders from the virus sneaking in,” Director General of Health Leausa Samau Dr. Take Naseri told a Press Conference this week.
NEOC Chairman Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo on behalf of Government extended their appreciation to the young man and his family for enduring the demanding SWAB tests.
“Under these circumstances, no risks were taken by our border security and we appreciate the young man’s patience and endurance to bear the tests repeatedly without complaints,” complimented Agafili.
For the month of December 499 Samoans were repatriated home including a direct flight from Brisbane Australia transporting 88 Samoans home.
All the compulsory tests before departing and arrival not including repetitive tests while in isolation for 21 days all came out negative, Leausa revealed.
The numbers are a telling story on the financial demand to Government coffers not to mention the accommodation stakeholders providing lodging for the repatriated individuals, acknowledged NEOC Chairman and Secretary to Cabinet Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo.
“Government and NEOC are not blinded by the sporadic developments of the COVID-19 internationally with COVID continuing to mutate intensifying the threat to everyone,” noted Agafili. “And it’s based on these developments beyond our control that we need to trend with caution to ensure that the national security, well-being and safety of all local residents are not jeopardized under any circumstances.”
He also acknowledged that Cabinet is cautiously looking into the gradual phase out of the borders lockdown with possibilities to reopen the borders.
And for now, it is at its infant stages since any major decisions made will depend on the advantage and disadvantage to Samoa but ultimately the “national security of the country,” reiterated Agafili.
