Samoa’s National Emergency Operations Centre (N.E.O.C.) has yet to decide whether to allow a ship currently quarantined in Fiji with two covid-19 positive crew members to come to Samoa.
Chairman of N.E.O.C., Agafili Shem Leo, told a press conference Tuesday the ship, MV Island Chief, is now at the quarantine buoy off the Fijian coast and the sailors have been isolated in a hospital.
(The MV Island Chief calls into Pago Pago however it’s not scheduled to visit on this trip).
The crew is being monitored for symptoms.
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. James Dong, said the two men both tested a weak positive twice, which suggests they are either at the outset of a new infection or are historical cases.
This is yet to be determined.
Agafili added the sailors were tested because of Samoa’s policy which requires a negative COVID-19 test to enter Samoan waters. All 12 men were tested and only two returned positive tests.
“These two seafarers have been isolated at one of the isolation centres in Fiji while this ship is anchored, quarantined outside of one of the international wharves.
“It is important that our policies are maintained and handled appropriately towards any ship that wishes to enter our borders from overseas,” Agafili said.
The MV Island Chief has a lot of supplies and personal packages that Samoans need for the Christmas and New Year period according to Agafili.
He said the N.E.O.C. will have to make the decision if the ship and infected sailors will be allowed to dock here.
“That is a decision the committee will have to make afterwards and subsequently the Cabinet,” he said.
People wanting to enter Samoa after they have been sick with COVID-19 must wait six months after their illness, then return three negative P.C.R. tests seven days apart before a blood test 72 hours before flying.
Agafili said the policy will be in force from 2021.
