Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The increasing numbers of COVID-19 reported by the Task Force is worrying some members of the House of Representatives.

Rep. Avagafono Tuavao Vaimaga Maiava expressed concern about the surge in COVID numbers and asked that the public be urged to follow guidelines to stop the spread of the virus.

The former deputy police commissioner said that the public needs to understand that COVID-19 restrictions are still in place and everyone must abide by them. Several faipule supported Avagafono’s concern.

Rep. Titialii Kitara Vaiau said a lot of store owners are not enforcing COVID-19 requirements like wearing masks before entering and social distancing while inside the store.

Titiali’i said while shopping he has observed members of the public inside stores without face masks.

“Our people need to understand that the virus still exists and they must learn how to comply with all the requirements given by health officials to protect everyone,” Titiali’i said.

Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu Jr said people need more awareness about the current COVID situation. He said his island of Manu’a is no longer a COVID-19 free place because the virus is already there.

Rep. Andra Tereise Samoa who is a member of the COVID-19 Task Force gave a report on the COVID numbers, now totaling over 7,000 and there’s a spike in COVID numbers in Manu’a.

She said, the new positive cases in the territory now stand at 7,143 since the first community case was reported on Feb. 21 on Tutuila. For Manu’a, 59 new cases were reported for the week of July 4 to July 10, which brings the total number of positive cases at 159 since the outbreak was first reported in April this year.

The Health officials told the Task Force that American Samoa has a vulnerable population and we need to look at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and its needs. Public awareness needs to improve and members of the public need to be reminded to wear a face mask and apply social distancing at all times.

The vaccination program is still ongoing and the Department of Health (DoH) is still monitoring the elderly and offering them treatments at home.