The first COVID-19 related death in the territory is a 44 year old man from the Western District.
According to information provided by the chairman of the LBJ Tropical Medical Center Board, Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega the man had heart problems, a history of lung and kidney conditions, and was also obese.
On Monday, he had been seen at the ER where he tested positive for COVID-19, was treated, and then sent home. Early yesterday morning, he passed away at home.
Dr. Tuiolosega said that despite the man’s underlying health conditions, his death fit the international criteria for death from COVID.
His passing was first made public by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, in a virtual address late this morning.
Lemanu shared that as the territory is prepared to combat the pandemic, there were high hopes that it would not come to this.
The Governor extended deepest sympathies to the man’s family and urged the public not to give up hope, but to draw strength from God through prayers.
In addition, Lemanu said, “Do not let this disease take over us, let us control the disease.”
