The 16 year-old Samoan male who tested positive to COVID-19 after arrival on 12 February has been released for controlled home isolation last Friday March 5, 2021.
Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri told a press conference this morning that the young man returned a positive test last Friday but it was significantly lower.
According to Leausa, his family had asked if he could be sent home to self isolate and they had also sought agreement from the village mayor to allow this to happen.
‘’He is now under home isolation with complete Police and security protection. Health authorities will continue home visits,’’ he said.
Leausa also confirmed that all the other 160 passengers on the flight had been released from quarantine, along with his mother who continued to test negative.
‘’All the 160 passengers again returned negative tests and were released,’’ said the MOH Director General.
NEOC chairman Agafili Shem Leo expressed disappointment at people who had sought space on the repatriation flights and not bothered to turn up.
‘’This is not acceptable as there are other people who wanted to be on the flight but have missed out,’’ he said.
In reply to a question about people wanting to come for elections, Agafili said the April General Elections is not part of their decision making on the flights.
‘’Elections were planned a long time before the COVID-19 started and is not a factor in our plans,’’ he said.
While the actual date of arrival of the vaccine is not clear, both officials said the latest estimated time of arrival is the first week of April.
‘’Training has also started with staff who will be providing vaccinations when the vaccine arrives,’’ said Leausa.
