The State of Emergency Orders will be enforced during the Easter long weekend, meaning the 6am-2pm curfew is in place.
This is according to Chairman of the Disaster Advisory Committee, Agafili Shem Leo during a live talk show this morning on Talofa FM radio, hosted by Fonomaaitu Vani Tufuga.
Article 105 and 106 of the Constitution allocate the legal authority for such orders under the State of Emergency and these orders will conclude at midnight next week Tuesday, 19 April 2022, said Agafili.
“Those orders will remain in effect, until midnight Tuesday next week and it will be enforced through the Easter weekend,” said Agafili.
He gave an example, that stores will be open for businesses from 6am-2pm and only Sundays that all businesses are closed.
The reminder was supported by the Acting Police Commissioner, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo.
“Activities banned under SOE and it will be enforced by the Police throughout the long weekend, no alcohol sale, stick to your zones, the stores will operate within the prohibited hours.
“As indicated earlier, Police will not hesitate to issue citations against members of the public who will not adhere to orders of the State of Emergency,” said Auapa’au.
The Acting Police Commissioner reminded the fines issued under the SOE orders are $200 each per individual and $5,000 per organization.
Agafili also referenced the notice issued by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour issued earlier in the week announcing the three public holidays in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008.
According to MCIL, the public, government agencies and the private sector are hereby advised that the following dates are to be treated as Public “Holidays to celebrate Easter, Friday, 15th April 2022; Saturday, 16th April and Monday, 18th April 2022.
Shops selling goods may open during Public Holidays in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008.
“However, employers for private businesses are advised to comply with relevant provisions under the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 regarding employees working on Public Holidays.
“Please note the Amended State of Emergency ‘SOE’ Order #76 issued up until Tuesday 19th April 2022 is in effect and accordingly, the public and private sectors must adhere to this order.”
