OP ED: OUR EVOLVING COVID SITUATION

21 January 2022

It was disheartening to hear of a number of passengers arriving on a charter flight from Australia testing positive for Covid the day after their arrival in Samoa.

It is ironic that the flight which brought in these passengers also cargoed fresh doses of vaccine from Australia. It is understood that previous supplies on island had expired in spite of groups remaining eligible but unvaccinated and others actively seeking but denied their booster shot.

In accordance with Samoan (and general international) protocol all of the incoming passengers would have been double faxed (as a minimum) and all tested negative to the virus at least 48 hours before departure.

But of course a lot can happen in 48 hours before departure or even just checking in and boarding at the airport.

The reality too is that even with appropriate vaccination it is possible to contract the virus. Better protected but not immune. Medical evidence indicates that suitably vaxed people are less likely to require hospitalization and more likely to recover quickly than non vaxed. But that is another story.

So the inevitable has occurred. We now have multiple patients who have tested positive. Fortunately they were detected early, necessary safeguards put in place to stop any potential spread and attend to their welfare. So far so good.

But hasn't the community's reaction been interesting? Social media and the coconut wireless was running at warp speed with rumours, gossip and half truths. It was more rampant enthusiasm than panic based on the latest rumour heard from a friend of a friend. This was accompanied by speculation of the potential re-scheduling of flights throwing long awaited travel plans into chaos.

Interesting too the reaction of many people who hit the wholesalers, shops and importers to sweep up food - oh, and toilet paper - for the impending lockdown.

In perhaps the first real test of its leadership in unchartered waters, it will be interesting to watch how the government handles this situation. The health and safety of the community are of course the priority but there are other issues too which remain unattended.

The government's vaccination campaign has fallen well short of its targets. Perhaps the developments over the past few days will motivate people to be vaccinated or at least better prepared.

The requirement for public servants to present their vaccination card before they resume work is a sign of the government's commitment, albeit a bit late. More work places are checking the vax status of workers and it is understood a vax card will need to be presented to enter hospitals.

Another thing which is sure to follow this event is how decisive the community will be. Proud non/anti vaxers and the rest. Just read the comments which follow and you will get some idea.

While we remain on the cusp of Level 3, this story and its implications will continue to unfold over the next few days and weeks.

We hope those affected recover quickly and that the potential spread has been contained.

We also ask that people be as prepared as they choose and take precautions as necessary.

We especially ask everyone to remain calm and considerate. We are all in this together and there is no need to panic.