There’s no more pre-travel testing for COVID-19 when travelling to Samoa, except if required for transit.
This is one of the changes made public at the weekly meeting of the COVID-19 Task Force meeting, according to Talanei.
The pre-travel testing was a requirement by Samoa for travellers from the territory, just as it was a requirement for travellers to Hawaii. The pre-testing for travellers to Hawaii was removed several months ago, however, Samoa still required it as a condition for entry to the country.
Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua explained that the change was made on Monday. He said, that with the increase in travel, as the borders opened, testing was draining DOH resources and personnel time; since there are multiple flights daily, including weekends.
Motusa said, the local medical community also decided to discontinue the pre-travel COVID tests.
For travelers transiting through Samoa to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, the Department of Health will continue to conduct COVID tests for them, as those countries require a negative PCR test.
Testing of travelers upon arrival in the territory is continuing for now, said Motusa. He also shared with KHJ News that at yesterday’s COVID-19 Task Force meeting, Chairman Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale instructed the Task Force to select a committee to come up with a recommendation on the testing.
Motusa anticipates that by next month, the COVID tests upon arrival would be discontinued, however, he said that an official decision will be announced at a later time.
