COVID-19 Variant Spreading in Samoa yet to be identified

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 30 MARCH 2022: The Covid variant currently spreading in Samoa is yet to be identified whether it is Delta or Omicron.

Samples have already been sent to New Zealand for confirmation but the Acting Director of Health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen said they have yet to receive confirmation.

He explained that Samoa is among other countries whose samples are sent to the FDA Authorised COVID-19 Level 3 Testing Laboratory in Wellington, New Zealand.

Tagaloa said the laboratory is overwhelmed with many samples sent to them.

In previous cases of passengers on repatriation flights, the variant had been identified, but with the community cases since 17 March 2022, the variant is yet to be identified.

Manono & Apolima yet to have tests
Since the first community case was confirmed on 17 March and the latest numbers crossing 1,500, the islands of Manono and Apolima have been listed as without any positive cases.

However, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen explained last night that this is because they have not been tested for COVID-19.

This is due to the State of Emergency orders prohibiting travel between the islands and also the consideration of the logistics of putting together a team to travel and implement such an operation.

Both islands will have a chance for tests when the mass vaccination roll-out tomorrow and Friday, he said.