Samoa COVID Lockdown extended for two more weeks

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 22 MARCH 2022: Samoa will be under Alert Level Three lockdown for two more weeks after Cabinet today approved the extension of the lockdown as positive community cases continue to climb.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said Cabinet accepted the recommendation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to the extension starting midnight 22 March to 5 April 2022.

Fiame said Cabinet was essentially in a virtual meeting today with her in Cabinet room, several Ministers in their offices, one in Savaii and one joining in from Auckland New Zealand. She said this is the reality brought by the Covid pandemic and with social distancing as protective measures.

The lockdown variations include the opening of shops twice a week to replenish supplies on Tuesday 22 March, Saturday 26 March, Tuesday 29 March, Saturday 02 April and Tuesday 05 April 2022.

Shops however will be opened tomorrow due to the late announcement from Cabinet.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa preparing to make the announcement on TV.

More positive community cases
As of yesterday, 66 new community cases were recorded from screening sites around the country pushing the numbers to 247. But the actual number of active cases is 262, including 15 active cases from the repatriation flight from New Zealand that arrived 06 March 2022 who are still in isolation.

Fiame said the increase in the number of community cases was expected and will continue to increase; however, she encouraged simple measures be taken to reduce the spread and risks of contact with the virus.

The country has been divided into Zones with medical essential services available in each Zone to limit movement and human travel and NEOC is urging people to stay home and keep to hygiene practices such as wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands.

Vaccination roll-out continues
Fiame noted with concern that there are still people who have not completed their two COVID-19 vaccinations and some have not done any.

Despite the lockdown, Fiame assured the country that they will be informed of the continuation of the vaccination roll-out for children from the age of 5-11 and also the boosters for te fully vaccinated. A big shipment of the vaccinations is expected to arrive at the end of the month and will be rolled out to ensure maximum coverage of the eligible population.

She said that the Pfizer vaccinations for children in Savaii should start this week and the Ministry of Health will lead the vaccination program.

Fiame also said that extended lockdown will be reviewed next Tuesday.