Apia, SAMOA — The Ministry of Health in its latest COVID-19 situational report confirmed 56 positive cases within the period commencing from July 03 to 05 of July 2022. These cases include 54 new community cases and 2 new imported cases, taking the total number of cases (community and border) to 15,052. Currently, there are 2 patients being isolated at the Moto’otua National Hospital.

In strengthening their defense against the virus, the public is kindly requested to visit the nearest hospital to do their first and second dose, or a booster shot if one has not done so. Vaccination continues to be our best defense against the severe effects of the virus.

While the country continues to remain at Alert Level 1, it is important that we continue to adhere to public health advice by wearing a mask and maintaining good personal hygiene, to help to contain the spread of the virus, and to prevent new infections. The safety of our families and loved ones is everyone’s responsibility.

To access the detailed situational analysis report, please visit the Ministry Of Health website (https://www.health.gov.ws/)

(Source: Samoa Govt press release)

HAWAII HEALTH OFFICIALS STRESS SECOND BOOSTER

After 20 COVID deaths in a week, Hawaii health officials stress importance of second booster

The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported 20 additional coronavirus deaths and 4,381 new cases in the past seven days.

That compares to 5,362 cases and 15 additional deaths in the previous week.

In a discussion with reporters on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said COVID cases have been trending down.

“We do see some slowing in the rate of decline now, and so that raises the question of whether we may be hitting a plateau at this point,” she said.

The state’s COVID figures don’t include positive from at-home tests, so the real number is likely far higher. But health officials did say they’re still closely watching the trends.

The latest number brings the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 313,076.

Meanwhile, the additional fatalities bring the state’s COVID death toll to 1,524.

Kemble stressed the importance of getting a second booster shot as over 90% of deaths were among those 50 and older.

 (Source: Hawaii News Now}