PM's plane screened for swine flu in Samoa

Samoan health officials check the Prime Minister's plane for swine flu documentation today. Photo / Getty Images

Officials wearing masks boarded the Prime Minister's plane when it arrived at Samoa to screen the delegation for swine flu symptoms as part of the country's efforts to prevent the spread of the flu.

Of the four countries on the whistle stop tour around the Pacific, Samoa is the only one with a confirmed swine flu case.

Officials checked for symptoms and nurses waited alongside the airport to check the temperatures of anyone considered suspect. None of the delegation was stopped – but the measures show how concerned Samoa is to prevent the spread around the island after the 1918 influenza wiped out about one third of its population.

After meeting with Samoan PM Tuilaepa, Mr Key announced his second major aid increase within two days – Samoa's aid will rise from its current $10.7 million to $14 million this year and rise to $17 million by 2011.

It follows a similar sized boost to Tonga's aid for the tourism sector and democratic reforms yesterday.

Mr Key said some of the extra aid would be for Tonga to combat swine flu. New Zealand was also available to provide Tamiflu and health advice and resources if required.

Mr Key's first official duty of his visit in Samoa was a kava ceremony at the residence of the Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi. Mr Key handled it with aplomb – as did ministers Pita Sharples and Georgina te Heuheu, and Mr Key's wife Bronagh. Mr Key later said it tasted different from Fijian kava, but declined to judge which was better.

This afternoon he is visiting a rural village to look at the impact of the Recognised Seasonal Employers' scheme. Hip hop dance crew Prestige will also perform at the village.