Ferry Service Between Savaii and Upolu Ceases from 12am Thursday 26 March 2020

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Paseengers disembark from MVLN 6am ferry.

 

Regular commuters between Upolu and the Big Island of Savaii have today, Wednesday 25th March to make their final trip and decide where they would like to see through the rest of the State of Emergency period.

Today is the last day for ferry services between Upolu and Savaii before the extended lockdown position Samoa is taking to wait out the coronavirus pandemic.

Lining up to buy tickets at Mulifanua

The amended State of Emergency Orders issued 24 March 2020 confirms that domestic ferry services between the two main islands will cease as of midnight tonight.

“Effective from 12am of Thursday morning, 26 March 2020, travel for passengers between Upolu and Savaii cease”.

“This does not include ferry travel for trade and Government services,” states the SOE orders.

SSC staff help customers to carry their packages off the ferry.

The increase of cases in New Zealand, Samoa’s closest international gateway, has lifted the stance to remain vigilent in Samoa given the close proximity with Aotearoa in all respects. All passengers from two flights from New Zealand are being quarantined at St Therese Leauvaa as extra precautionary measure given New Zealands rising numbers of confirmed cases by the day.

Today New Zealand prepares to go into level four lockdown to try and stop the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

At 11.59pm the entire country will be in a full lockdown for a minimum of four weeks. Essential services however will continue.

The Samoa public are asked to call the following numbers if they are feeling any of the symptoms or need any further information or clarification of state orders.

Samoa Toll Free Hotline number is 800-6440