200 passengers under 7 days reduced quarantine period

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 30 MARCH 2022: Over 200 passengers who arrived from New Zealand on Monday night are the first to undergo the shortened period of Covid-19 quarantine period of seven days.

The new quarantine procedure was approved by Cabinet from 21 to 14 and now seven days and travellers must satisfy health requirements that go with the change.

“From twenty-one days to fourteen days….and now to seven days in quarantine under the SOE orders as approved by Cabinet,” said Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen.

Among the passengers now in quarantine are the Human Rights Protection Party leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy leader, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Leatinuu Wayne Fong and the Director of Health, Leausa Take Naseri.

Tuilaepa and Leausa had been in New Zealand for medical check-up under the Government medical scheme and the others paying their own expenses.

They returned negative results when tested upon arrival and have allocated their quarantine sites.

Tagaloa said passengers who arrived on the previous repatriation flight will have to complete their fourteen days quarantine and will be released after completing required tests.