Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and her Cabinet have been urged to provide consistent COVID-19 updates and to ensure that the data on the pandemic is accurate.

The Opposition Leader and former prime minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, made the appeal in a special programme on TV1 on Sunday night in his first public statement since returning from medical checks in New Zealand last month.

"People need to be informed on a daily basis," Tuilaepa said. "We need constant updates on what's happening and we need to know the accurate information and the actual numbers of those who have been affected and the lives of those who have died."

The veteran politician said there is a reason why it is critically important to release accurate data, on the number of people who have died from COVID-19, as it will compel more people to get vaccinated.

"There is no need to hide the actual numbers, because the country need to know the truth and they need to know the number of lives that have been lost, so that it can seen as a threat by those who have yet to get their shots," said the Opposition Leader. "A lot of people are still not taking this pandemic seriously and are still refusing to get vaccination. 

"That is why we need constant updates from the Ministry of Health so that they are encouraged to get vaccinated.

"If we get the right information and data on the numbers of those who have died, it can convince those who refuse to get vaccinated to go and get their shots. 

"This also motivates our village council to step in and make their own contribution, by assisting our front line workers to contain the spread of the disease, all while urging people to get vaccinated."

Tuilaepa also commended the work and commitment of Samoa's front line workers including health officials who have been at the forefront from the start of the pandemic preventing the spread of coronavirus in Samoa. 

He also expressed his appreciation of the leadership provided by the Health Minister, Valasi Tafito Selesele and the executive of Samoa's Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) and their efforts. 

M.O.H. data released on Tuesday confirmed another COVID-19 related death with 362 new community cases to push the country's cumulative total to 6,246 cases.