Fighting spirits amidst rising covid cases

After two years, the Covid-19 virus has eventually seeped through our borders, spreading rapidly, creating fear and distress.

But through it all, there is a voice of hope.

The leaders for our small island countries of Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa are standing with the people, reassuring them that whilst the Covid 19 cases are increasing, their best interests and safety are the Government's priority.

As of Wednesday 30th March, Samoa has recorded a total of 1439 positive Covid 19 community cases, since its first community case was recorded on the 17th of March.

The Prime Minister, Honorable Fiame Naomi Mataafa confirmed based on reports from the Ministry of Health that most of these cases are asymptomatic and most are advised to self-isolate at home. The positive cases that were admitted to the national hospital, have been discharged and no case was serious enough to be admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. Out of the 1439 positive cases, there are 1330 active cases, which means about 163 have recovered.

Fiame added that , “It is clear from clinical evidence that chances of developing acute symptoms of, or likely death from Covid 19 will be minimal with complete vaccination and a booster dose. It is important for all of us to get maximum protection by completing all our vaccinations given the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Samoa.”

In Cook Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown announced that as of the 25th of March, Cook Islands has recorded 1257 positive Covid 19 cases.

Hon. Mark Brown added that “so far we have had 740 people recover from Covid-19. These people no longer need to be tested for Covid and are unlikely to be reinfected due to our high vaccination rate.”

Prime Minister Mark Brown added that Cook Islands journey with Covid continues, and “while it is important that we continue to take this virus seriously, it is equally important to celebrate our victories and make changes where and when we can.”

Meanwhile the Premier of Niue Dalton Talagi on the 28th of March announced that Niue has recorded six imported COVID-19 cases, detected at the borders.

The Premier of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi says these 6 active cases detected at the border who arrived on the Monday 22nd March flight from New Zealand with all other passengers remain well.

“We all need to do our part in containing the virus so that it does not get out into the community.”

Prime Minister Fiame, continues to call on the praying spirits of the Samoans and people of the Pacific during these difficult times and reiterating that ‘we are all in this together, be kind.’