Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Community spread of COVID-19 continues on the main island of Tutuila, recording the highest number so far per day, at 61 new positive cases on Mar. 4, with no reported hospitalizations or deaths due to COVID-19, according to the American Samoa COVID-19 Outbreak Situational Report issued last night by the Emergency Operations Center.

Of the 61 new positives, 25 individuals were identified at Health Department’s test sites, 24 from home quarantine/isolation and 12 at LBJ Medical Center, the report says.

Those who tested positive were served with a Home Isolation Directive for 14 days. Anyone with COVID-19 must stay away from other people, this may include others in their home.

As of 8p.m on Mar. 4, American Samoa’s total cumulative count to date is 215 confirmed COVID-19 cases, no deaths, 3 hospitalization — for reasons other than COVID-19, and 27 treated with therapeutics.

The top village with the highest number of positive cases, at 54, is Tafuna; followed by Nu’uuli and Leone each with 34 cases; Pavaiai with 18 and Vatia at 17.

A U.S. Department of Defense charter flight arrived on island yesterday, with additional supply of vaccines and manpower. The flight included federal personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Health and Human Services, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, two ASG-DoH personnel and Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata (see photo on home page).

Another shipment of COVID-19 vaccination supply is expected today, Saturday, which is also when DoH is set for the vaccination drive-thru at the Pago Pago International Airport parking lot.

The Drive-Thru entry point is at the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and Public Safety personnel will facilitate access to the airport through OMV. Airport and DoH personnel will help to guide vehicles through the airport lanes.

The public is advised that only vaccines — including booster doses —  will be administered today and to bring a valid ID. Proof of legal guardianship is required for 5-11 years to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Also anticipate long lines and waiting times.

For information and vaccination and test sites for next week, call DoH Command Post at 219 or its Facebook page.

Village counts as of Friday evening: Tafuna 53, Nuuuli 34, Leone 34, Pavaiai 18, Vatia 17, Iliili 11, Pago Pago 9, Malaeloa 8, Fagasa 8, Utulei 4, Falaniu 3, Aua 2, Fagaalu 2, Futiga 2, Oeloaloa 1, Fagatogo 1, Malaeimi 1, Faga neanea 1, Matuu 1, Alofau 1, Aoloau 1, Failolo 1.