Ads by Google Ads by Google

Outbreak of COVID-19 in TCF is real — 226 inmates test positive

Territorial Correctional Facility TCF
Out of a total of 296 inmates in the facility
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — According to a media release from the Department of Homeland Security, dated Mar. 24, 2022, and issued in response to a video circulating on social media by an inmate and resident of the Tafuna [Territorial] Correctional Facility (TCF), the COVID-19 Task Force has provided an update to the media and general public from the LBJ hospital and Department of Health.

Samoa News in its’ Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2021 issue reported that several prisoners in the TCF are saying they (the prison population) have not been tested and that the virus is rife in the territory’s only prison. They, including some of the prisoner’s families, appealed to the government for help, for testing and to provide the necessary therapeutics.

According to the media release, TCF prisoners were tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Mar. 23, the same day we reported the incident in the paper.

The following is the media release in its entirety:

LBJ TROPICAL MEDICAL CENTER

At Wednesday's EOC briefing, Dr Ledua provided an update that the patient was in fact tested at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center with symptoms. The resident was evaluated to determine if treatment was needed.

Various factors are considered during physicians’ assessments for therapeutic treatment including their age, whether they smoke, and their medical history or comorbidities. Results from the assessments help the doctor determine if the patient will be referred for therapeutic treatment. Not everyone who tests positive will need treatment.

The patient was further advised to return to the hospital if his symptoms did not improve over the next 72 hours.

At Wednesday's EOC briefing, Dr Ledua provided an update that the patient was in fact tested at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center with symptoms. The resident was evaluated to determine if treatment was needed.

Various factors are considered during physicians’ assessments for therapeutic treatment including their age, whether they smoke, and their medical history or comorbidities. Results from the assessments help the doctor determine if the patient will be referred for therapeutic treatment. Not everyone who tests positive will need treatment.

The patient was further advised to return to the hospital if his symptoms did not improve over the next 72 hours.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

On Wednesday, March 23, the Department of Health conducted COVID-19 testing at the TCF where there are currently a total of 296 inmates. According to DOH Physician Dr. Losana, a total of 117 were tested — including DOH staff — and 88 were positive. 29 tested negative including 7 DOH staff. 6 inmates were transferred to Tafuna for treatment yesterday.

On Thursday, March 24th the Department of Health completed its testing of remaining inmates. Out of a total of 174 tested, 138 tested positive and 38 were assessed for treatment.

The Departments of Health, Homeland Security, and Public safety are continuously implementing mitigation measures to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in TCF. This includes designating separate spaces for those who test positives. Once an inmate tests positive at the TCF, they are immediately separated from those who do not have COVID-19. Inmates that develop symptoms are assessed if they are in need of therapeutic treatments and can be transferred to the Tafuna Health Center to receive them in a secured area.

The Department of Health and COVID-19 Task Force will continue to thoroughly assess the situation at TCF, and do what is necessary to take care of this population. The community is continually encouraged to ensure that they are vaccinated, boosted, and get tested so that proper care is provided in a timely manner.