Samoa down to Alert Level 2 for two weeks

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 04 APRIL 2022: After three weeks in Alert Level 3 – RED Samoa will downgrade to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 – YELLOW for another two weeks commencing midnight Tuesday 05 April 2022 until 19 April 2022.

Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa made the announcement tonight with amendments to the State of Emergency orders to help reduce the congestion in public places and continue the vaccination drive and testing programs to help slow down new community infections.

It is also a chance to give Government Ministries, Corporations, private sector, civil societies and businesses space to operate and deliver required services

The amendments to the SOE orders are:

• Opening hours for all businesses and shops are from 6am to 2.00pm from Monday to Saturday.

• No businesses or shops to open on Sunday.

• Church services to reopen but restricted to 30 people.

• Funerals restricted to 30 people.

• Other gatherings are allowed but restricted to 15 people

• Ferry services between Upolu and Savaii to operate from Monday to Saturday under level 2 requirements.

• Alcohol sale remains prohibited.

• All schools to remain closed.

Schools remain closed and to ensure the safety of children under 12 years old especially those who have not been vaccinated, they are not allowed in public places.

Under Level 2, all Government Ministries and Corporations, private sector and civil societies are required to implement their business continuity plans under the new norm of living with COVID-19.

This include strict observance of health requirements such as wearing a facial mask, social distancing , showing of vaccination cards, continue with COVID-19 tests, health and safety of employees and the general public they serve.

“Health is Wealth and it goes without saying that our health is in our hands. It remains the Government priority and should be the country’s responsibility at all levels,” said Fiamē.

Condolences to the families of COVID-19 related deaths
Fiamē also conveyed the Government’s condolences and prayers to the families, children and relatives of the two persons who have passed away.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the deaths of a 67 old man and an 87 old woman were COVID-19 related.

These are known consequences of the virus given the experiences in other countries, she said

“Due to the transmissibility of the virus many people will be infected and recovered, a percentage of those infected will develop acute symptoms and will require hospital care and there will be deaths,” said Fiamē.

That is why it is very important that everyone is fully vaccinated and continue to adhere to health preventative measures.

As of yesterday, 164 new cases were recorded bringing the number of active community cases to 2,443.

97% of these cases are in Upolu and 3% in Savaii.

There are 12 cases currently in isolation at the TTM hospital.