The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) has been urged to provide updates on the actual number of COVID-19 cases as well as COVID-related deaths in the country to date. 

The call was made by the suspended Lepa M.P. and Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi during his weekly press conference.

The veteran politician emphasised that it is important to keep the public informed on the latest COVID-19 updates, especially Samoa's international borders now fully open. 

Tuilaepa then called out the Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele and challenged him to talk to M.O.H. executives to get the Ministry to resume providing weekly updates to the public.  

The last situational report on the COVID-19 pandemic provided by the MOH was on Sunday 31 July 2022 which covered the 25–27 July 2022 reporting period with the total number of COVID-19 related deaths at that time standing at 29.

That last report stated that the death count provided at that time was subject to change, following full verification of all reported COVID-19 deaths from all health facilities.

The report further notes that there are other deaths among the registered cases that are not primarily caused by the COVID-19 virus. 

However, the Opposition Leader is of the view that these are not the "actual" number of fatalities from COVID-19. 

"Especially given the number of our elderly population who have passed away in the previous weeks," Tuilaepa told the media. 

"They are among the most vulnerable groups and some of them have other underlying medical conditions that can be triggered once they contract the virus. 

"Now that we have opened up our borders, our people who have been wanting to return are now able to come back home and those who have been stuck here can now travel anywhere they wish to. 

"However, at the same the virus is still out and doing the rounds not only in the community but it might be imported by people arriving in the country. 

"We know that we can't prevent the spread of the virus so it's best to keep us informed on the latest updates of the virus."

Turning again to the Minister of Health, Tuilaepa urged him to ensure M.O.H. staff continue to collect data for weekly updates.

"I think the Minister of Health should make it his priority to ensure that updates are provided and encourages his staff to gather data on what's been happening. 

"They should also go out in the different morgues in the country and carry our researches on whether some of those in the morgues had died from COVID-29 because if things get out of control, this will fall on his head (Valasi). 

Tuilaepa believes that providing updates for the country can encourage people to get vaccinated. 

He further added that the Government, particularly the Ministry of health should roll out the second booster and encourage people to get their second booster. 

"The common flu is also doing the rounds and people are treating it at home and some don't know if it's the common flu or COVID-19 because the symptoms are similar. 

"That's why it's crucial to provide updates so the public are well-informed. I had already gotten my second booster and up until now, I have not contracted the virus (COVID-19) so the ministry should really encourage people to get their second booster. 

"And as opposition members, we ask the Prime Minister and Cabinet to look into the issue and order the health ministry to provide COVID-19 updates.

"After all, the health of citizens of this country must be a priority for any government."

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get a comment from the Minister of Health on Sunday were unsuccessful. 

Last month, the Acting Director General, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen announced that people who were due for their second booster should get their second booster doses at the hospital. 

However, Tagaloa said that there was no "urgency" in getting a second booster jab for COVID-19. 

"The only people who are encouraged their second booster after three months since they got their first booster are our front line workers," said Tagaloa. 

"We are asking our front liners to get their second booster shots as well as those with underlying conditions. But there is no urgency to get people to come and get their second booster.

"However, it is important to inform our people that they are welcome to come in and get their second booster if they are due for another jab."