Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The latest Health Department data as of Monday this week shows a total of 39 new COVID-19 infections or true positives following the third test of travelers who were on board the Jan. 27 flight from Honolulu and as well as quarantine staff connected with this flight.

This is the same total number —39-cases — that travelers in quarantine told Samoa News on Monday afternoon based on the Zoom session with DoH officials, who provided the latest update to them. This has been the usual protocol for DoH briefing travelers in quarantine.

DoH data shows that after the three tests, results show 74 positive cases with 35 historical cases — individuals infected with the virus two months before entering the territory; and 39 new infections, including six quarantine staff — who were all assigned to the Tradewinds Hotel quarantine site.

DoH provided the same data and breakdown during the meeting on Monday of the COVID-19 Task Force, which usually issues a press release following the weekly meeting, although none has been received at press time and Samoa News understands a press release is forthcoming.

Samoa News understands that several important issues were discussed at the task force meeting.