The Government Press Secretariat has announced that as of this morning, the Ministry of Health is investigating one patient for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Ministry reiterates that, “This is a suspected case only.”
The Auckland resident arrived into Samoa last week on Wednesday 11 March 2020, to attend a family occasion.
The press release does not indicate the flight or seat number of the suspected passenger.
The patient whose “status is currently stable” was admitted this morning Wednesday 18 March 2020, to the TTM Hospital Motootua after experiencing flu-like symptoms for 2 days”.
“This patient is currently receiving care at the TTM Hospital and is being cared for separately from other patients“, reads the press release.
According to the Ministry of Health, the patient’s samples have been sent to Australia for COVID-19 testing, however, the results are not available for more than 2 weeks.
The results, “should be available in 10-20 working days (Pending Customs Clearance)”.
The Ministry advises that it is undertaking contact tracing of all possible contacts and the public would be updated “immediately as soon as we have further information”.
“We encourage all persons who have travelled or transited through countries affected by COVID-19 to monitor themselves for the development of fever, cough and shortness of breath”
“If you have any of these symptoms please contact the Ministry of Health COVID-19 call centre for advice”.
“Additionally, please self-isolate at home. That is to stay in a separate room from family members and use separate eating and drinking utensils”.
The Ministry of Health advises the public to:
1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water or alcohol-based hand rub.
2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw it into a bin and wash your hands after.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
4. Call a healthcare provider if you feel sick for medical advice
5. Avoid unnecessary travel
6. Avoid mass gatherings and keep a distance of 1 meter from people with flu-like symptoms.
7. Clean frequently touched surfaces (i.e. door knobs, counters, phones).
8. Avoid UNNECCESSARY visits to hospital, limit family visits to hospital to 1 person, and keep children under age 19 away from hospital
FB: @samoagovt @publichealthsamoa
Coronavirus Call Centre: #21183, #21176, #21173, #22914, #22241, #24402
Ministry of Health Website: www.health.gov.ws
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