By Martha Taumata Faavae
Frontline workers are first in line to receive the COVID-19 medication when the vaccine arrives in Samoa in March.
Most are assigned on frontier border duties at Faleolo International Airport and at the Port of Apia entry at the Matautu-tai wharf.
Others included those involved in selected sites of accommodations for stranded Samoans repatriated on special flights back into the country.
The Director General of Health. Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, confirmed the selection priority in a National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) media conference during the week on Wednesday, 13 January 2021.
High global demand has restricted Samoa to COVID-19 vaccine enough only to cover 20 percent of the population or 40,000 people.
“ Our initial order was to cover 40 percent in the first run and the rest to follow,’ Leausa had hoped but will now have to prioritise with what is available to Samoa.
“Our frontline workers are a priority because they are directly exposed to the risk of the pandemic virus by their jobs.”
Leausa added that vaccination is however not recommended for the 18 years and under age group for now.
He cautioned that the vaccine will take a little to take full effect so it is important to know that once an injection is made.
NEOC is under added alert after the pandemic took on a worrying twist with a new variant from a virus mutation that spreads quicker.
A travel ban is already in place for all travelers from the UK and South Africa where the variant is confirmed.
Strict medical requirements are also imposed on 15 countries mainly in Asia and Europe.
New Zealand, Australia and the US are also included.
Under new stricter travel requirements, new arrivals to Samoa must have a series of medical clearances within a 72-hour period before catching the flight.
Similar health requirements apply to all crews of vessels call into port at the Matautu-tai wharf.
Travellers in quarantine are required to remain isolated from an extra week or 21 days.
NEOC Chairman Agafili Shem Leo underlined extra care that is going into the handling of cargo vessels on arrival to unload important shipments for local goods.
One of the cargo vessels that was denied entry when it arrived with a confirmed case of the pandemic virus, was forced to sail off before it was able to dock.
On board was a shipment of ready-made school uniforms to be used at the start of school for the New Year.