Authorities have reported 34 new cases of community transmission of COVID-19 discovered overnight to bring the total number in Samoa to 45 as of Saturday morning. 

The new cases were confirmed by the Government Press Secretariat in a statement released on Saturday afternoon.

"Following the announcement of 11 confirmed community transmission cases last night by the Honourable Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health confirmed late last night 34 new community transmission cases, taking the number of positive community cases to 45," the Press Secretariat's statement reads.

"Seventeen (17) of these cases have developed mild to moderate symptoms mainly feverish, body fatigue and sore throat. 

"They are being managed at the isolation ward at Moto'otua Hospital. Other cases remain asymptomatic, and are being managed in isolation sites. 

The Press Secretariat said as of midnight last night (Friday), Samoa’s COVID-19 Alert moved to Level 3 and will stay in effect until midnight next Tuesday 22 March. 

"The S.O.E. Orders for Level 3 provides guidance during this period," the Press Secretariat's statement reads. 

"The public is hereby advised to comply with health requirements such as wearing a mask, showing of vaccination cards, and limiting exposure by staying home. 

"This will help contain the spread of the virus."

Samoa went into a nationwide lockdown from 12 midnight Saturday 19 March. However, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, in a special announcement on Friday night, advised that shops, supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies will open for the duration of the lockdown from 8am to 2pm on Saturday 19 March, Monday 21 March and Tuesday 22 March.

Samoa's first community transmission case was detected on Thursday after an individual, who was flying abroad this weekend, went to the national hospital for a COVID-19 test as part of requirements to travel out of the country. Her test result came back positive leading to her being immediately put in managed isolation at the national hospital.