South Korea is the latest country to be added to Samoa's coronavirus blacklist as the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) increases restrictions on incoming travelers to minimize risks of the novel virus being imported. 

The latest Government health travel advisory dated February 19 showed that there are now seven countries where travellers are originating from or transiting through need to undergo 14 days self-quarantine. 

The other countries include Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. 

The Government policy is that travelers from these states or transiting through them must spend at least 14 days in a country free of the 2019 novel coronavirus and must undergo medical clearance within three days before arrival in Samoa.

“In the event you arrive within the 14 day period as noted above, you will be returned to the country of last Port before arrival in to Samoa,” the Samoa Government Advisory reads.

Another list of countries include those who are required to undergo medical examination by a registered medical practitioner within three days before arrival.

This medical clearance is required for check-in prior to issuing of boarding passes if coming from or transiting through include Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, USA - California, France, Germany and Canada.

The Government requires compulsory screening of all arriving passengers in Samoa with the policy now effective at all ports of entry.

All sea port entries will be screened at the quarantine buoy before the vessel docks at the wharf.

To date a total of about seven individuals have been held in quarantine since the Government announced the setting up of medical inspection teams at the Faleolo International Airport. 

For those travelling out of Samoa, it is strongly recommended that all persons intending to travel to China and any country affected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus postpone their travel arrangements unless necessary.

Signs and symptoms of 2019 Novel Coronavirus that need to be looked out for include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

On Thursday, at least 114 new deaths reported from mainland China bringing to at least 2,118 the number of fatalities nationwide. At least 108 of the new fatalities were from Hubei Province, the epicentre of the epidemic.  

Meanwhile, confirmed new cases are dropping fast. The number of 394 new confirmed cases is significantly lower than the 1,749 cases reported throughout China the previous day.