There are 11 new confirmed community cases in the Country.
In response Cabinet has activated the zoning policy as part of the National COVID-19 plan to help stop the spreading of the COVID-19.
To date, there are 12 community cases including Samoa’s first community case of a 29 year old female from Vaitele tai, in addition to the 15 cases confirmed earlier this month from passengers in an earlier flight this month from New Zealand.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said Cabinet has been advised by the National Emergency Operations Committee of the new confirmed cases from the various testing sites.
In her special announcement, Fiame said some of the cases have developed symptoms while others are asymptomatic, they are all closely monitored in isolation sites.
“The rise in the community cases in just two days reflects the experiences and trends in other Countries that have been affected due to the high levels of transmissibility hence its important for us to comply with health measures and conditions prescribed under our State of Emergency Orders to help slow and contain the rapid spread of the virus.”
Cabinet has amended their restrictions of level 3 which is effective midnight tonight until Tuesday the 22, March and the services, such as supermarkets, wholesale, small shops, pharmacies, fish and fresh produce markets, restaurants for takeaway only, will open from Saturday to Tuesday from 8am to 2pm.
“These services will not open on Sunday. We encourage to use services that are available nearby their home and villages as part often zoning requirements for level 3 to help contain the virus.
The Police will lead the enforcement from tonight, however the assistance rendered by the Village Councils withe enforcement of village curfews will help the national efforts to safe guard the community, said the Prime Minister.
Adding that its over two years since efforts were made to keep COVID at bay, but it was always a matter of time for the virus to reach the community.
“However we shall continue to work together as a nation and rise above this challenge with firm and faith in our God and believe in his healing power,” said the Prime Minister.
