By Martha Taumata Faavae
The call is out in schools and villages to ‘mask up’ since the alert for the COVID-19 virus stepped up to Level I early last week with confirmation of a genuine case of a pandemic carrier in Samoa. (see other story)
The Ministry of Women and Social Development has activated the support of the ‘pulenu’u’ and ‘sui-tama’ita’i’ as official Government village representatives to encourage everyone to ‘mask up’.
The Minister with the portfolio, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama, is spearheading the push for villages to respond.
“ The role of village leadership is critical with their powerful influence to urge families to wear masks in church, village meetings and especially when children attend school,” Tuitama said.
“ If we can get those in the villages to mask up it will easily roll over into Apia when they travel to town.”
Tuitama added extra worry with the unsettling weather of sun and rain from climate change spreading the common flu at this time of the year.
Cleanliness is another health area the village leaders are being asked to encourage in families again with prevailing changing weather patterns.
Children are to be made the main priority for families with many who are turning up for hospital treatment for the flu and coughing.
The Ministry of Education has also circulated public notice for students at all levels to wear health masks.
The Ministry CEO Afamasaga Ms. Karoline Fuata’i is worried about how students are left vulnerable by being exposed to crowds as on the bus traveling to and from school.
The same health risks are present inside when they arrive in school and when inside the classrooms.
Cleanliness is also strongly advised through the Ministry advisory notice to all schools working together with disaster co-ordinating committee NEOC.
Schools are also notified that they will again be advised for any changes to the health alert call when needed.
