The latest data from the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) confirms 20 new COVID-19-positive cases for Samoa, taking the cumulative number of positive cases at the border and in the community to 16,962.

This was highlighted in the latest Syndromic Surveillance and COVID-19 update from data collected between the 18 to 24 December. 

The total number of cumulative cases included both those detected at the borders and the community. 

The latest report also revealed that the positivity rate is 3.50 per cent. 

The COVID-19 death toll still stands at 31. 

The Ministry of Health started testing and monitoring symptomatic people. 

COVID-19 RAT tests were distributed to all district hospitals for testing. 

The ministry confirmed that only those with flu symptoms were encouraged to get tested. 

In November last year, the ministry issued a notice, advising the public to get vaccinated following the emergence of the fifth wave of COVID-19 in New Zealand and the United States.

Signed by Aiono, the notice also highlighted preventative measures in light of the development of the countries. 

He said New Zealand has just experienced a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections and the United States has high infection rates in areas.

Aiono stated there is waning immunity for those who were vaccinated in 2021 and in 2022.