Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During a presentation at the first Cabinet meeting of the new year last Friday, Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua gave a brief update on passengers who arrived from Hawaii on last Thursday's flight.

As a result of the first test in Hawaii, 25 positive cases and close contacts were removed from the flight. An additional 28 positive cases and close contacts were removed from the flight following the second PCR test. After the third test, 22 positive cases and close contacts were removed from the flight. A total of 179 passengers arrived in American Samoa and are currently in quarantine.

He also warned that the omicron variant is more transmissible than Delta and breakthrough cases should be expected.

"These new variants are going to continue to manifest globally, and American Samoa will stay ready. ASDOH is committed to doing everything within our capabilities and resources to keep our Territory safe. However, it begins with vaccinations. Vaccinations will give our first responders a fighting chance at defending a surge or spread of any variant introduced here in American Samoa," stated Director Nua.

He told the governor and directors that American Samoa has seen a significant jump improving the territory’s overall vaccination numbers from 66.8% in November to 74.4% in January. Also, the number of eligible school children who received shots increased from 43% to 66.5% within this population. "We are still not at the 90% that the Governor is expecting, but I am hopeful we will be able to achieve this goal shortly," stated Director Nua.

(Source: Governor’s Office press release)