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Positive cases increase on Ta’u — vaccines, testing and therapeutics all available

reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The community spread of COVID-19 on Ta’u island in Manu’a has increased to 14 cases, with 13 positives at Faleasao village and one at Ta’u, according to the American Samoa COVID-19 Situational Report dated Apr. 29.

And in a separate health advisory released over the weekend, Health Department announced that the community spread on Ta’u Island began with six confirmed positive cases that were identified on Apr. 27, the initial report of community spread.

DoH explained that a returning traveler tested positive upon arrival at Pago Pago International Airport, indicating possible exposure to Manu’a residents. And this prompted contact-tracing being carried out on Ta’u island, resulting in a total of six positives identified.

The advisory explained procedures being implemented to assist residents in Manu’a with the COVID surge. For example, the Office of Samoan Affairs and village mayors of Manu’a will collaborate with the COVID Task Force and DoH  to assist in disseminating pertinent COVID-19 information to all residents of Manu’a Islands.

It also says that vaccination campaigns will continue with vaccinations and booster shots available at the Ofu and Ta’u clinics.

All residents of Manu’a 5 years and older should get vaccinated and boosted if/ when eligible. The vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Anyone with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk for COVID-19 and it is strongly recommended to get vaccinated or boosted.

DoH said that testing would be available in Ofu and Ta’u clinics for anyone experiencing symptoms or who has been in close contact with anyone who tested positive within the last 10 days.

Additionally, therapeutic treatments are available at the health clinics in Manu’a. “Residents are reminded to get tested for any symptoms so they can receive early treatment, based on doctor's assessment, for best outcomes. Treatments are given at no cost,” the advisory said.

Positive cases will receive a 10-day home isolation directive and medical clearance will be issued at the Ta’u or Ofu clinic on day 11 if asymptomatic.

All residents of Manu’a are urged to prepare for possible COVID infection, acquiring enough supplies of food, water, and hygiene products in the home for at least 10 days.

Residents are asked to continue preventive measures including masking, social distancing, hand washing, and disinfecting surfaces and surroundings. Families caring for elderly loved ones are reminded to carefully monitor and screen people who may cause COVID exposure to the elderly, even within the home.

All positive cases will be monitored by the DoH Epinet Team in collaboration with the Ta’u medical team via telephone.

Severe COVID patients, requiring additional medical care that is not available in Manu’a will be airlifted to Tutuila. No other passengers will be allowed on these Medivac flights.

According to DoH, guidance on handling possible deceased individuals will be provided by medical personnel in Manu’a. For more information call DoH command post 219.

OVERALL COUNT

For the entire territory, the COVID-19 Situational Report says that total cumulative count to date has 5,793 confirmed community cases, 26 deaths and 2,103 treated with therapeutics.

It also states that collective data shows 5,689 individuals who previously tested positive have now recovered or have completed isolation while DoH is currently monitoring 105 active cases.

The previous 24-hours — as of Apr. 29 — recorded 7 new cases, 2 treated, no new hospitalizations, and new no COVID-related deaths. Of the seven new positives - one was identified at the Ta’u clinic.

The Health Department’s chart as of Apr. 29 shows 105 COVID-19 cases in American Samoa being monitored at this point, and it includes fourteen positive cases on Ta’u island in Manu’a.