By Martha Taumata Faavae
Local health officials are taking a critical look at recently confirmed reports of five (5) seafarers booked on the repatriation flight on 22 January 2021 who have already tested positive for the coronavirus.
Entry maybe denied if they were tested positive within the last 6 months under new health restrictions now enforced, following the fright of two positive cases three weeks ago.
Also included in the new restrictions is official proof of 3 consecutive negative test results 7 days apart done to follow after 6 months.
“All these health restrictions must be cleared before anyone is allowed entry,” Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, advised.
Reports that 5 of the seafarers tested positive for coronavirus earlier was news, however, to Leausa and the chairman of the National Emergency Operations Centre, NEOC, Agafili Shem Leo.
The General Manager of the Samoa Shipping Services, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, disclosed the information to the media in an earlier press conference last Friday.
The media inadvertently raised the information during the NEOC press conference that followed a few hours later.
“Maybe the General Manager of the Shipping Services is only just informed by the overseas shipping company in response to the new restrictions that are now imposed,” Leausa pondered.
Lautimuia did admit they were aware of the first seafarer who was tested positive but all the others who tested positive earlier have all recovered.
“We have already informed the shipping company of the 6 months restrictions and other health requirements that are to be met before the seafarers are allowed to travel to Samoa.”
