139 frontliners released after returning negative results

Source: Press Release, MOH

APIA, SAMOA – 08 FEBRUARY 2022: One hundred and thrity nine (139) frontline workers have been released after returning 7 negatives tests since being quarantined from 22 January to 04 February.

The latest update from the Ministry of Health this evening said a total of 139 out of the 214 frontliners were released from quarantine sites at Sheraton Mulifanua (80), St Therese, Leauvaa (50) and Tivoli Aparthotel (9).

The frontliners remaining in quarantine include the Ministry of Health staff who continue to closely monitor and assess the passengers at quarantine sites, and isolation sites at the TTM and Faleolo hospitals. This includes drivers that provide transport for the health teams.

According to the MOH Update this evening:

• All frontline staff that were released from quarantine were tested 7 times using GeneXpert SARS-CoV-2 PCR test for Covid-19 and all test results returned negative. Frontline staff included those from Samoa Airport Authority, Immigration Division (MPMC), Customs Division (MCR), Quarantine Division (MAF), Samoa Airways, Police (MOPP) and NEOC staff.
• Frontliners commenced quarantine on Saturday 22nd January and were released on the 4th February, 2022 after a period of 14 days.
• They were quarantined at Sheraton, Mulifanua; St Therese, Leauvaa; Shrine of Three Hearts; Tivoli Aparthotel and Tivoli Warehouse accommodations.
• A total of 139 out of the 214 frontliners were released from quarantine sites at Sheraton Mulifanua (80), St Therese, Leauvaa (50) and Tivoli Aparthotel (9).
• The frontliners remaining in quarantine include the Ministry of Health staff who continue to closely monitor and assess the passengers at quarantine sites, and isolation sites at the TTM and Faleolo hospitals. This includes drivers that provide transport for the health teams.
• All infection, prevention and control protocols continue to be strictly followed by the health response teams and staff at the quarantine sites and isolation units.
• There is still no evidence of a community transmission.

“However, there is no update on the 31 infected passengers who arrived from Brisbane, Australia on 19 January 2022 including five nurses.”