COVID cases near 400, still no deaths, and 11 previous cases have recovered

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa COVID19 Outbreak Situational Report issued yesterday morning states that the territory’s cumulative COVID-19 positive counts as of March 9 has reached 382 “confirmed community cases”, no deaths, 79 treated with therapeutics, and 11 previous cases have recovered.

In the 24-hour period up to Mar. 9, the report said, 39 new positive cases were identified, 18 received therapeutic treatment and 3 previous positive cases recovered.

Of the new positive cases on Mar. 9 — 26 were identified at Health Department facilities and 13 from the LBJ Medical Center. More vaccinations were also administered, with 766 booster doses and 55 for first/ second doses.

“Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death,” said DoH in a separate report released yesterday morning and the department reminds the community that those who test positive are served with a Home Isolation Directive. Anyone with COVID-19 must separate themselves from other people, this may include others in their home.

Data released by both DoH and the COVID-19 Task Force shows positive cases continue to increase in populous villages, and new villages identified are all on Tutuila — and there are no reports of cases from Aunu’u island and the Manu’a island group.

Of the total 382 positives, villages with double-digit cases reported are Tafuna with 73, followed by Nuuuli 51, Leone 44, Pavaiai 27, Iliili 26, Pago Pago 24, Fagasa 20, Vatia 18, Faleniu 14, Vaitogi 10, Malaeloa 10 and Fagaalu 10.

Meanwhile, DoH said that the Tafuna Health Center is no longer providing COVID-19 tests after hours — after 4p.m — due to low turn-out in the evening. And another COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru is set for tomorrow, Saturday, Mar. 12 at the Pago Pago International Airport parking lot.

For the latest update on vaccination and test sites call DoH Command Post at 219 or visit the DoH Facebook page, which is updated daily on any changes to the schedule, as there was been minor changes on the schedule since yesterday.