The Leulumoega district hospital has been closed as of Friday due to the health facility being compromised with a growing number of community transmission cases being recorded.

Members of the public who headed to Leulumoega hospital for COVID-19 testing were turned away, forcing residents from the west coast area to make the trip to the national hospital at Moto'otua hospital, which would be the nearest public hospital due to Leulumoega's closure.

 The hospital was closed after one of its health workers tested positive to COVID-19 on Friday and was one of 11 community cases that were reported on Friday night. 

Other district hospitals remain open, though health workers are beginning to feel overwhelmed, dealing with not only suspected cases but others brought in for other illnesses and pregnancies.

Reports from frontline workers currently working in district hospitals indicate a surge in members of the public turning up for help, including those with symptoms of COVID-19 but later returned negative tests.

In Savai’i there was also a report of a suspected case at the Tuasivi hospital but there is no official confirmation from the National Emergency Operation Centre.

A press statement issued by the N.E.O.C. on Saturday said the Ministry of Health confirmed 34 new community transmission cases overnight, increasing the total number of positive community cases to 45. 

“Seventeen of these cases have developed mild to moderate symptoms mainly feverish, body fatigue and sore throat,” the statement reads. “They are being managed at the isolation ward at Moto'otua hospital. 

“Other cases remain asymptomatic and are being managed in isolation sites.”   

The 45 community transmission cases together with the 15 active cases, which include passengers and frontline workers from the 6 March repatriation flight, gives Samoa 60 active cases. 

Amid the rising community transmission cases, Prime Minister Fiame and her Cabinet on Saturday inspected all district hospitals, as part of a familiarisation tour of the country’s district-based health facilities.