UN Samoa COVID-19 UPDATES

COVID-19 is a new disease that is distinct from other SARS, MERS, and influenza. Although coronavirus and influenza infections may present with similar symptoms, the virus responsible for COVID-19 is different with respect to community spread and severity. There is still much to discover about the disease and its impact in different contexts. Preparedness, readiness, and response actions will continue to be driven by rapidly accumulating scientific and public health knowledge.

While there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, these countries are on alert and preparing to respond to manage the outbreak of COVID-19.

Samoa has declared a State of Emergency for two weeks in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak . Two days after the SOE declaration, the public was informed that there were eight suspected cases being investigated. Six tests turned out negative, while the results of the other two are pending.

Samoa’s National Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to take the overall lead of the response. The SOE has placed restrictions on international travel, public bus transports, public gatherings such as church, sports and other events, schools are closed, public servants are advised to work from home  or take the reduced working hours option.

Each of the four countries,  has made assessments of the risks and has in place, their Emergency Response Plan to Coronavirus, a critical tool to guide the implementation of all necessary measures at the appropriate scale to reduce both COVID-19 transmission and economic, public and social impacts.

The key pillars that guides their preparedness and response are country wide coordination, legislations and policies in managing the outbreak, risk communications and community engagement and financing and resources.

The UN Samoa Multi Country Office for these four countries and as  an international development partner is also stepping up to ensure it provides the relevant support to where it is most needed.

Under the coordination of the RCO and advise of the WHO, the Country Team is finalizing its Crisis Preparedness and Response Plan to clearly map out the gaps in the countries level of preparedness and response; identify entry points to engage with the member states  and rounding up their expertise and resources to provide the support that will accelerate national efforts toward preventions against the COVID-19.

Read more on the Country COVID-19 Emergencies Plan.

Cook Islands

Niue

Tokelau

Samoa.