This is a process that helps identify individuals who may and have come into contact with an infected person. It help stops the spread of an infectious disease.
As of today, the number of positive cases for Samoa still remain at 26.All 26 are in the secured and controlled isolation Units and currently there is still no evidence of a community transmission.
The first 10 cases surfaced last week Friday, and five more on Saturday which prompted the lockdown. On Monday, the five front line nurses were looking after the positive cases also tested positive and all are now in isolation at special wards at the national hospital Motootua.
Last Friday, more than 260 front line workers who were at Faleolo Airport for the flight from Brisbane had been taken into quarantine as soon as the initial positive cases were confirmed.
They were also tested but the results were negative.
According to the statement issued by the MOH, their surveillance team contact tracing process was activated when cases were confirmed on the day the Qantas flight arrived.
“Through this process, close contacts of these cases were identified and transferred into isolations separating them from positive cases, as well as the rest of the passengers.
“It is an ongoing process that also goes beyond Samoan borders through the International Health Regulation (IHR), this will continue until the end of an pandemic.”
The National Emergency Operation Committee latest statement says the public is once again advised that Samoa remains at Alert Level 3 and all restrictions are to be carefully observed and complied with.
“This includes the wearing of masks, practicing of 2meters social distancing, washing hands regularly and carrying around your vaccination card at all times.
The public is liable for penalty under the State of Emergency Orders and relevant laws of Samoa.
For more information contact the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) on 997 or the COVID-19 Helpline on 8006440, and 911 for Emergencies.”
