Samoa has moved to State of Emergency Alert Level 3 in the nationwide lockdown, and with a total of 10 new community transmitted coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa told the country in a virtual address last night that the new cases were picked up during contract tracing, initiated after the first case was confirmed on Thursday 17 March.
She did not give any details on the contact tracing but said that all positive cases are now in managed isolation in the special wards at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital at Moto’otua.
Unlike the first level 3 nationwide lockdown two months ago, Fiame said there are some easing of restrictions.
There are limited opening of shopping facilities for groceries, pharmaceuticals, cooking gas and petroleum products services on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday from 8am to 2pm. All businesses must close on Sunday.
Soon after she spoke the Head of State signed a new State of Emergency Order which bans public gatherings including church services, village meetings , sporting activities and swimming in rivers, beaches and pools.
“All international travel to and from Samoa by plane or boat or ship are suspended except as provided in exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet.”
In domestic travel, all taxis and buses are prohibited as well as all travel by boat or ferries, except for transporting cargo and delivery trucks to transport essential supplies and medical emergencies.
All schools will be closed and virtual learning is encouraged.
Cabinet will make further decisions and advisories by the end of the lockdown at midnight Tuesday March 22.
A scheduled flight to take seasonal workers to New Zealand will go ahead as planned today, Saturday.
