Samoa’s COVID-19 positive case is clear

The Director of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri and NEOC Interim Chairman Agafili Shem Leo talking to the media last night.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 24 MARCH 2021: Samoa’s first COVID-19 case, a 16 year old boy of Vaivase has been cleared of the virus.

The Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri confirmed last night that the boy’s last test last Friday came out negative.

“He was tested 24 hours later (on Saturday) and the result remained negative hence the decision that he was clear and can return to his normal life,” said Leausa.

He was in isolation for 21 days since he arrived in Samoa 12 February but because he was still positive after 21 days, he remained in isolation while the rest of the passengers were released.

He was later granted strict home quarantine with the ministry continuing to monitor and test him.

Leausa said they decided to release him from home quarantine after his last two tests returned negative.

Their decision however was questioned by the public when he was seen at church and attending a sporting event.

“We explained that he was cleared and that there was no more COVID-19 virus in the country,” he said.

Remaining quarantine passengers
The passengers on the Fiji Airways flight from the United States 3 weeks ago were all released yesterday after their final tests the previous night returned negative.

These included returning patients from Hawaii and sailors from Europe.

The remaining passengers in quarantine were from New Zealand and are expected to be released on Friday.

“But if someone happens to show any sign of the virus before Friday, then we have to change course as we cannot allow the virus out in the community,” said Leausa.