Over 70,000 booster doses have been administered

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The Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has stated that 70,439 of the 18 years and above age group have received the booster dose.

In an announcement on Monday evening, Fiame stated that 92.6 per cent of the 18 years and above age group have been fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

"It has been seven weeks since the detection of our first community case transmission on March 17th 2022. The latest figures from the Ministry of Health confirm that our total number of positive cases both in the community and those detected at the border is 9,592," Fiame said on Monday.

"There were 73 cases found at the border upon arrival in Samoa, and nine thousand, five hundred and twelve (9,512) confirmed community cases since the 17th of March.

"The Ministry of Health also confirmed 3 new deaths over the last 48 hours, taking the number of deaths to 19. Out of the 202 patients admitted to the isolation wards at Moto’otua hospital, most have been discharged. About 65,949 rapid antigen tests have been administered. As of current, 11 patients are in isolation wards and one in ICU."

She said that Samoa's vaccination rates are commendable, and the country's efforts are continuing well through the leadership of the Ministry of Health, working closely with the Disaster Advisory Committee and communities.

"To date, 92.6% of the age group 18 years and above have completed two doses. Among this age group, 70,439 booster doses have been administered," she said.

"For the age group 12-17 years old, 86.6% have completed two doses. And for the age group 5-11 years old, 58.7% have completed two doses.

"The second dose for all children from 5-11 years old will commence this week following the receipt of the pediatric vaccines from New Zealand over the weekend.

"The severe symptoms of the virus have been felt all over the world and have resulted in hospitalization and deaths. We have experienced similar outcomes in Samoa. The lives of 19 people that have been lost due to COVID 19 related complications, is a sad reality of the virus. On behalf of the Government I extend our deepest condolences to the families, relatives and children of those who have lost their battles to COVID 19. May you all be comforted in your loss of loved ones."

Samoa remains at an Alert Level 2 Lockdown, and Fiame had announced on Monday evening that borders will reopen in August this year.