A new public service announcement from the Department of Health (DOH) reminds residents that COVID-19 is still spreading in the territory.
“Testing at LBJ Hospital and Community Health Centers have shown that COVID-19 cases have been on the rise the past two weeks. It has been confirmed that Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 are now spreading in our community,” says the announcement which was released Monday.
DOH says, though evidence suggests these variants do not cause more severe disease or death, they spread much faster than previous variants and can possibly re-infect those who were previously sick with COVID-19 or are fully vaccinated.
“Everyone can play a part in keeping our most vulnerable populations (young children, elderly, immunocompromised) safe.”
The public is strongly advised to STAY HOME and isolate when feeling sick.
Visit the nearest health clinic to get tested and treated. Continue to practice preventive measures such as wearing a mask when in public places, social distance and frequently wash your hands.
COVID vaccinations and boosters are available at the DOH clinics across Tutuila and Manu’a.
“Vaccines/Boosters don’t guarantee you will not be infected with COVID, but evidence shows they are able to help prevent hospitalizations due to severe illness or even death.”
If you feel ill with flu-like symptoms, you should go to the nearest health clinic and get tested for COVID.
“A physician will assess if you need therapeutics based on your symptoms. It is important to heed the physician’s recommendation to isolate from others once tested positive so to decrease the spread of COVID. The recent variants of COVID are highly contagious and can easily be spread to others.”
