In a special address delivered today on state-run TV the governor, Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga announced the first recorded Covid-19 related death in American Samoa.
American Samoa's Lt Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga at the Pago Pago launch of Talofa Airways Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller
The governor said a man passed away on Tuesday March 22 at the LBJ Medical Center. Lemanu gave his condolences to his family and the community.
"Do not let this disease take over us, let us control the disease," Lemanu said.
He acknowledged that community transmission of the virus had occurred, despite government efforts to safeguard public health.
The Health Department has not released a Covid-19 situational report since Tuesday when a total of 367 positive cases were reported in the community. This brings the total cumulative number of Covid-19 cases in American Samoa to 1,932.
The Department also reports 242 people have recovered.
