Samoan authorities are likely to extend the quarantine period for 160 repatriated passengers who arrived three weeks ago if a 16-year-old male on their flight continues to test positive for Covid-19.
Newsline Samoa reports the young carrier, who has been in isolation at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital, remains asymptomatic and continues to test positive.
Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital Photo: facebook
It is understood results of tests sent to New Zealand arrived in the country on Monday and if positive, the entire group may have to remain in quarantine.
Director General of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri said, "The quarantine may re-start for all the 160 passengers on the same flight as this carrier depending on the results of the NZ tests. We cannot afford to release any of the passengers if there are any doubts about carrying the virus."
The young man arrived from the United States with his mother who continues to test negative and is in the third week of quarantine with the rest of the passengers.