By Staff Writer
The Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito, was quick to reassure Parliament on Wednesday that returning citizens from overseas travel are no longer required quarantine.
His quick remarks were in response to worried enquiries by members at having the Minister of Labour Leatinu’u Wayne Fong sitting in the House after arriving home the night before.
“Samoa is now back to Emergency Level One so we are now living with the COVID 19 virus,” the Minister explained.
“But we have testing stations in nearby health centres for anyone who wants to check out for the virus.”
Opposition MP Tapunu’u Niko Lee Hang raised the health alarm, surprised that the Minister was present after only landing in the country the night before.
“I’m worried that we may catch something from him being here after only returning to the country,” Tapunu’u raised, as he too was a recent arrival back to Samoa.
“I arrived back 2-3 weeks ago and was told that I have to be self quarantine at home so I’m worried about having the Minister here.”
Other MPs raised similar COVID19 anxieties but the Speaker settled them down assured by the Health Minister’s guarantee.
A quick Newsline Samoa telephone enquiry with the Public Health division of the Ministry of Health, confirmed the Minister’s reassurances.
A public health senior official said the new immigration policy approved by Cabinet came into effect on the first flight into the country in June.