The Samoa Red Cross Society (S.R.C.S.) has rolled out information and awareness on the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic in rural communities.

A woman from Falevao village, Mafutaga Neemia, told Samoa Observer that the staff working for the humanitarian organisation visited them to conduct awareness on the pandemic and what to do if it entered Samoa.

"They have given us ideas of what to do if ever the coronavirus enters Samoa, we have seen how this virus has been taking so many lives around the world and we should be very well prepared for the virus in case it comes to Samoa," she said.

"We were told to always wash our hands after everything we do, they also listed down names of everyone in our households. We have also learned that we must try and stock up food supplies so that if the coronavirus gets to Samoa then at least we will have enough supplies especially food supplies.”

Together with the awareness programs, the S.R.C.S. staff also ran health assessments as well as hygiene promotion to minimise the risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19.

Ms Neemia said she was grateful for the organisation’s staff taking time to reach out to communities in the rural area.

"I am grateful for these people who have volunteer their time to come out here and tell us about what to do during these times, because right now we only hear it from the television and radio but it's good to see them eye-to-eye and to have conversation with them, it'll give us more understanding since we could ask them any question we may have," she added.

Samoa is one of 12 countries in the world that remains free of the virus with the Government’s Ministry of Health declaring the nation COVID-19-free last month.