The Samoa Government has postponed a planned repatriation flight from New Zealand following the discovery of a COVID-19 Delta variant community transmission case two days ago.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said the government, after consultation with the National Emergency Operations Committee, had decided to defer the scheduled repatriation flight due to arrive August 26 with close to 300 passengers.
“I know that this would be a disappointment for families who have been wanting to return and also families who have been waiting keenly for their members to return to Samoa,” she said.
But she added she felt confident that this is the right decision to ensure the safety of the country.
Fiame also indicated that the ongoing discussions with the New Zealand government on a possible travel bubble is continuing despite the current situation in that country.
“Although the situation in New Zealand now may delay the possibility of implementing the arrangement, we feel that the negotiations can still continue and when our borders are cleared and the situation in N.Z is safe then I feel confident that we can move forward on that travel opportunity between the two countries.”
