Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi speaks about Samoa's first COVID-19 case during a press conference on Nov. 19, 2020. (Screenshot: Government of Samoa Facebook)
The leader of the small Pacific island of Samoa has appealed for calm after the country reported its first suspected coronavirus infection.
In a live television and radio address Thursday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi urged people to remain vigilant with their virus precautions.
Samoa had been among a handful of very small coronavirus-free nations.
According to officials, the suspected patient is a Samoan sailor who returned from Italy on Friday via New Zealand.
The sailor received a positive test result late Wednesday, while in mandatory quarantine, but tested negative early Thursday.
Officials said swab samples were being sent to New Zealand for further analysis.
The Samoan government also informed on its official Facebook page that its state of emergency order for COVID-19 has been extended until December 22, and that schools will continue as usual, but urged "parents, guardians and teachers to follow strict precautionary measures to protect our children at all costs."
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