Australian High Commissioner in self-isolation

Australia's High Commissioner to Samoa, Sara Moriarty, is in self-isolation at her Vailima residence.

She returned to Samoa on Tuesday, among a host of passengers who were immediately required to be quarantined for 14 days as part of the Government's coronavirus (COVID-19) State of Emergency orders.

In response to queries from the Samoa Observer, an Australian government spokesperson said Ms. Moriarty was returning to Samoa to resume her duties in leading the Australia’s response to COVID-19.

“She tested negative for COVID-19 prior to departure from Australia, and as a precaution is self-isolating at home for the next 14 days,” says the Australian government spokesperson. 

“The Australian High Commission engaged with the Government of Samoa to ensure that quarantine requirements were in line with the diplomatic immunities afforded under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations. 

“While the High Commissioner has personal inviolability, the Australian Government considers voluntary submission to self-isolation to be appropriate and consistent with the Vienna Conventions, and as such, the High Commissioner is self-isolating for the next 14 days.”

Close to one hundred passengers that were on the same flight as the Australian High Commissioner are currently being quarantined in several hotels for the next 14 days.