Second man tests positive for COVID-19
A 70-year-old man is Samoa's second suspected case of COVID-19, the Director-General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri confirmed on Friday morning.
The father was on the same repatriation flight as the country's first suspected case and person to have returned a positive test, a returning sailor who has subsequently tested both positive and negative for COVID-19.
An additional seven days will be added to the 14-day quarantine requirement for all 274 passengers from that Apia-Auckland flight.
The news was announced at a press conference attended by the Minister of Health, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers and National Emergency Operation Centre, Interim Chairman, Agafili Shem Leo.
Leausa said the elderly man - and his wife, who tested negative - would be isolated at the Motootua hospital.
He said the 70-year-old father who came to Apia via Melbourne, Australia first tested negative for the virus upon arrival.
However, a followup test confirmed he has tested positive.
"He has not shown any symptoms of COVID," he said.