Covid Update: One New Death Takes Official Toll to 20 as Total Cases Exceed 10,000
4 May 2022 Apia Samoa. Samoa’s total cases since its community outbreak has reached 10,210 with one new death reported taking the death toll to 20.
Samoa’s Ministry of Health reported 618 new positive cases identified over a four-day span from April 28 to May 2.
Of ths 618 cases, 615 are community cases while 3 new cases were detected at the border.
The total number of confirmed cumulative positive cases both in the community and at the border is now 10,210. Of that number, Savaii has now registered 1,057 while Manono have managed to contain the spread to just 9 cases. Apolima remains Covid-19 free.
As of two days ago on the 2nd of May, there were 14 patients in managed isolation and none at the ICU at Moto’otua Hospital.
“Most of those who were in isolation and in the ICU at Motootua have been discharged,” states the report.
COVID-19 related Deaths
According to the Ministry of Health report, only one new COVID-19 related death was recorded in this period, taking the total number of deaths to 20.
The deceased is a 91 year old elderly female with comorbidities and was unvaccinated. In reports of Samoa’s previous three cases, two of the deaths were also reported to have been unvaccinated.
The Ministry offers prayers and sincere condolences to the families and children of the latest covid victim. “Out of respect for the families and relatives, we will not be making any further comments”.
The Ministry continues to report that there are others with covid who have passed away, but are not making Samoa’s covid-related deaths because covid-19 was not the primarily cause of death.
“There are other deaths among registered cases that are not primarily caused by COVID-19…”
Reports from MOH staff who have been told not to speak to the media, are that the number of people with covid who have passed away in the past month has now far exceeded 40.
According to the official analysis of the 20 deaths stated below, 12 were unvaccinated.
Remain Vigilant
“The public is kindly reminded to remain vigilant and adhered to public health advice by continuing to wear facial masks, complying with social distancing, stay home and isolate if one feels unwell, and maintain good personal hygiene at all times…
“Vaccination remains our best defense against the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the nearest vaccination site if you have not done your first and second dose, or a booster…
“Keeping our aiga and loved ones safe in these difficult times is everyone’s responsibility..
* The sites include all health facilities, private clinics, testing sites and self-reporting
**The death count is subject to change following full verification of all reported COVID-19 deaths from all health facilities.
** One (1) new death has been verified in the past 96 hrs. – A 91 year old female (unvaccinated), with comorbidities, died from septic shock due to COVID-19 with multiple organ failure on 29th April.
Note: There are other deaths among registered cases that are not primarily caused by COVID-19.
***The test count is subject to change to data cleaning and when data becomes available
The Ministry of Health has also released the latest seven day rolling average report on the status of the COVID 19 in Samoa from April 24th at 2:00pm to May 01st at 2:00pm, 2022.
According to the Ministry of Health, “The report presents important data and trends of positive cases collated and analyzed by the Ministry of Health since March 17th when the first community case was confirmed..”
“It also provides current rates of our national vaccinations.”
Almost 93% of eligible adults have had two doses of Covid-19 vaccine. 87% of children 12-17 have been double vaxxed and for 5-11 year olds it is progressing well with 61% fully vaccinated.
There have been more than 72,000 boosters administered with the target being 113,000.
