(GOV. PRESS SECRETARIAT); The official cause of death to a male reported Saturday 15 th August 2020
at the Leulumoega District Hospital is subject to an official Coroner’s Report contrary to claims
posted on Social Media that the COVID19 virus is the confirmed cause of death, clarified the Ministry
of Health.
The deceased collapsed at home and rushed to hospital where he was proclaimed Dead on Arrival.
Based on the review into the deceased medical records, he did not have a severe medical condition or
history and had a clean bill of health.  And statements from family and relatives confirmed that he was
fit and healthy since his release from Quarantine. Family members also attest that he had no sign of
illness and had attended to his usual day to day routines which include going to the plantation etc. a
week leading up to last Saturday.
He had completed his 14-day mandatory quarantine requirement on 31 st July 2020 after he was
tested negative for COVID 19 before he was allowed to go home. For the public’s information, as
prescribed by the COVID19 Response Plan implemented by MoH, it is compulsory for all repatriated
residents to be tested negative after their Quarantine Period before they are released.
The local test is on top of the mandatory medical requirements which are compulsory for returning
residents to meet without exemption before they can board a flight home.  Among those
requirements include a Negative COVID19 test result issued three days before arrival in Samoa.
As part of the COVID 19 Response Plan, MoH is implementing all the necessary and precautionary
measures taking into account that the deceased was recently repatriated from overseas.
MoH would like to reassure the public that they will be duly informed on any developments.