Incoming passengers will only be quarantined when tested positive upon arrival. Also, churches are open but adhere to health restrictions.
This was announced by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa during her special announcement tonight.
Fiame, also announced the extension of level two, but outlined changes in relaxing the State of Emergency Orders for business hours from 6 AM to 10 PM with curfew starting between 11 PM at night to 6 AM in the morning.
The Prime Minister said it has been seven weeks since the detection of the Country’s Community case transmission.
“The latest figures from the Ministry of Health confirm that our total number of positive cases in the community and those detected at the border is 9592.
“There were 73 cases found at the border upon arrival in Samoa and 9512 confirmed community cases since the 17th of March.”
Adding the MOH confirms three new deaths over the last 48 hours taking the number of texts to 19. “As of current 11 patients are in isolation wards and one in the Intensive Care Unit.”
Regarding vaccinations, the Prime Minister says the effort is commendable.
The vaccination rate is 92.6% of the age group 18 years and about have completed two doses and among this age group, 70,439 booster doses have been administered.
“For the age group 12 to 17 years old 86.6 per cent have completed two doses and for the age group 5 to 11 years old 58.7 per cent have competed for first doses.
The second dose for all children from 5 to 11 years old will commence this week following the receipt of paediatric vaccines from New Zealand over the weekend.”
The Prime Minister further stated the severe symptoms of the virus had been felt all over the world.
“And have resulted in hospitalization and deaths. We have experienced similar outcomes in Samoa. “The lives of 19 people that have been lost due to Covid 19 related complications is a sad reality of the virus.
“On behalf of the Government, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, relatives and children of those who have lost their battles to Covid 19. May you all be comforted in your loss of loved ones,” said the Prime Minister.
Fiame said Cabinet considered recommendations from the Disaster Advisory Committee the deliberations took into account the current status of efforts to contain the spirit of the virus and to minimize the severity of cases throughout continuing drive for vaccinations.
“Cabinet has also considered the reopening of schools based on the recommendations from the committee as well as amending business opening hours.
“Further cabinet considered the plan for re-openings of our International borders critical to this decision is the current rates of our vaccination program.
“Amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders of our neighbouring countries like Australia, Fijis as well as New Zealand in October of this year; in this connection Cabinet this afternoon approved the continuation of Alert Level 2 Orange for another 2 weeks with amendments.”
The Prime Minister said the National University of Samoa to resume classes as planned for early this month.
“Secondary, Primary and Early Childhood Education schools will gradually reopen during is enduring May, upon Cabinet’s consideration of a scheduled to plan from the Education sector under the resumption of all schools.
“Business opening hours are now extended from 6 AM to 10 PM from Monday to Saturday. “The curfew starts from 11 PM to 6 AM of the next day we’re only authorized personnel and vehicles are allowed on the roads.”
For Sundays business hours from 12 PM to 10 PM at night.
The Prime Minister said gatherings including church services are open but the public is encouraged to maintain social distancing, wearing facial masks and showcase vaccination cards.
“Resume International flights from this month, May for all our citizens travelling to Samoa for various purposes and all those who are contracted to work in Samoa.
“The opening of International borders in August-September 2022, said the Prime Minister.
