The Samoan Government has given police new powers to enforce the orders of the COVID-19 State of Emergency to the “full extent of the law”.
Samoa Observer reports the latest amendments to the SOE Orders also gives a police officer the power to serve an offense notice and enforce the law on a person or people deemed to have violated the SOE Orders.
The new amendments were signed into law by Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II on Thursday on advise by the prime minister and cabinet.
Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil the police do not intend to arrest anyone or lock them up, even groups of people.
He called on everyone to stay home and avoid public gatherings saying that while Police have been given the power to arrest, he does not want that to happen.
All fishing boats are now also prohibited under the new amendments but cargo and petroleum ships will be allowed to dock with the “approved medical clearance of all involved.
