Five front line workers were tested positive for COVID-19, and are in isolation. They were working in the isolation area where the 15 positives passengers are being quarantined.
The new number for COVID-19 cases has reached 20.
This was confirmed by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa after a meeting with the National Emergency Operation Committee and Cabinet members.
In light of the new development the lockdown will be extended to another 48 hours with conditions that stores, financial institutions, cash power outlets, pharmacies will be open for business from 8am to 2pm tomorrow and same time on Thursday.
“As announce last week, the declaration from the lockdown from 6pm to 6pm this afternoon upon discovery of the 15 COVID-19 cases.
"However this afternoon Cabinet was advised that five more new cases have been identified in quarantined taking the number of positive cases to 20.
These positive cases are front line workers who are monitoring the 15 individuals who have tested positive since Saturday last week."
“All 20 cases are asymptomatic and all are quarantined at special isolation units at Motootua."
The Prime Minister said the swab tests for all 281 people in quarantine sites continued this afternoon and the results should be available later.
"There is still no evidence of a community transmission.
“In the hope of keeping our Country safe from a potential community transmission and in view of monitoring and the testing of those in quarantine; Cabinet has considered and approved the recommendations from the Disaster Advisory Committee to extend the period for the nationwide lockdown, from 6pm this afternoon to 6pm on Thursday,” said Fiame.
The Prime Minister added, in any case of an emergence of a community case Cabinet will reconsider its position accordingly.
She added that its mandatory to wear face masks, observe social distancing and 12 year old children and under are now allowed to be in public.
A chartered cargo ferry will be allowed between Upolu and Savaii but no passengers, on Wednesday to take fuel.
