No new cases, Samoa lifts lockdown at 6pm today

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Samoa is ending a nationwide lockdown at 6pm today downgrading its COVID-19 alert status from Level 3 to Level 2.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa announced the Cabinet endorsement of the move today which will see the reopening of businesses and government services after a 72 hour nationwide lockdown.

The PM confirmed that no new positive Covid-19 cases have been reported since the one case on Thursday morning which has kept the number of positive cases at 27. She assured theres no spread of the virus into the community.

Under the downgraded alert level all public gatherings will be allowed but restricted to a maximum of 30 people. Children under 12 years old will still be banned from all public places.

Schools will remain closed but are encouraged to use virtual teaching methods for the time being.

Inter island ferry service can resume but with attention to social distancing.

Taxis are limited to four passengers at a time and buses will only be allowed to carry 20 passengers.

All repatriation flights into Samoa will still be on hold but cargo flights will continue.

Shipping into the Port of Apia will be allowed for cargo and petroleum products to be delivered.

The Alert Level 2 status begins at 6 pm today and will be reviewed after two weeks.