The Samoa Government has taken a step backwards in terms of COVID-19 alert level, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa declared that Samoa is now on alert level-2.
The nationawide lockdown will be lifted at 6pm tonight and all business will be open but enforce social distancing and its mandatory to wear facial mask.
In a press conference at her office, Fiame noted the 27 positive cases are in managed isolation and quarantine and that there is no community case hence the Cabinet decision activate level 2.
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Radio Polynesia queries pertaining to the government’s plan in terms of facilities available if there is a Community case, given the concerns of the limited capacity at the hospital, similar to the measles outbreak.
Samoa had to rely on oxygen from American Samoa during the outbreak, there were not enough facilities, but the Prime Minister referred those queries to the National Emergency Operation Committee.
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Immediately after the Prime Minister’s announcement, some members of the Community voiced their concerns on the quick action by the Government to move down the alert level to two, rather the government should wait for another week.
Other concerns pointed out by some of those in the medical profession is that Omicron can take up to 14days to show initial signs and the lockdown should continue for another three week.
Regarding the COVID-19 vaccinates the Prime Minister made it clear the Government have the supplies of vaccines that will roll out next week, including booster shots.
Yesterday the nurses at the vaccines sites in Moto’otua announced they ran out of COVID-19 vaccines, while hundreds of people were still inline for their vaccine.
On Thursday the MOH allowed for the public who have not received their shots to get vaccinated, between 9am and 1pm; however by 12:30 the public was informed the vaccine has run out.
The Prime Minister said the Government is also ready to roll out the booster shots.
