By Staff Writer
Frontline border watch against the COVID-19 pandemic is on added alert at the rising threat of the new variants on Samoa’s health defense.
The spread of the highly contagious COVID–19 Delta variant in the island neighbours, especially Fiji is unsettling for the Ministry of Health.
Fiji last week reported more than 600 new cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours, a record number of infections in one day with 6-people dead.
The mortuary at the country’s main hospital is full as the total death toll rises to 39.
The Ministry of Health in Samoa tight security response has been quick with the national weightlifting team stopped from competing in the Japan Olympics.
Government would not allow travel for the team of 2-male and one-female weightlifters based in Samoa because of the serious health risks.
Returning national rugby 7s teams competing at an international Olympic qualifying tournament for men and women were off loaded in Dubai.
The teams failed to meet health security requirements for re-entry into Samoa.
Tighter border control turned during the week to travellers hoping to transit from outside destinations into American Samoa and travel on to Samoa.
A Ministry of Health travel advice required all travellers to spend a minimum of 28 days in American Samoa post quarantine before traveling to Samoa.
Entry will be denied to all travellers who will be returned to American Samoa if they arrive within the 28-day period.
No traveller will be allowed to enter or transit directly to Samoa from Fiji and the more than 80 other countries globally where the Delta variant is widely transmitted.
All are to divert to a country with minimal or no community transmission of the variant to spend 28 days or more before travelling to Samoa.
COVID-19 vaccination has been underway in Samoa for several weeks now with just over 43 per cent or 53 thousand people who have received first doses.
Just over 9 thousand or 7.6 per cent are fully vaccinated after getting their second dose.