The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) has confirmed 5 COVID-19 cases on Manono–tai and an increase of cases in Savai'i to 525 to push the total number of cases in Samoa to over 6,700.

The latest statistics from the M.O.H. was released in a Situational Report on the COVID-19 Pandemic dated 18–19 April and circulated to the media on Wednesday.

According to the report 485 new community cases were recorded in the last 24 hours with nil fatalities during that period. 

"This brings the number of community cases recorded since 17th March 2022 to 6,731,” the report stated. “Of the 6,731 community cases 6,201 cases are reported in Upolu, 525 cases in Savai'i and 5 cases detected in Manono-tai. 

“There are 16 cases in managed isolation and 3 critical cases in ICU at the Moto’otua Hospital within the period commencing from 2:00pm 18th April to 2:00pm 19th April, 2022…” 

The total cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths since community transmission was first detected on 17 March is 13 all of who are elderly people. 

The M.O.H. also reported that the number of rapid antigen tests (RATs) administered since the community outbreak is 51,546. 

The status of the nation's vaccination rates are as follows: 

• 91.9 per cent of those 18 years and over have completed two doses. 

• 84.2 per cent of those in the 12–17 age group have completed 2 doses.

• 31.5 per cent of those in the 5–11 age cohort have completed 2 doses.

• 93.8 per cent have completed the first dose – the vaccination roll out program for this age group is continuing.   

• 59,759 booster doses have been completed to date which 49.8 per cent of those eligible for boosters in the 18-plus age group. 

Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and take heed of public health advice to wear face masks, keep to the 2 meter social distancing protocol in public places, stay home and isolate if you are feeling unwell and practice safe personal hygiene at all times. 

The M.O.H. also urges the public to get vaccinated as vaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19.