Samoa Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency

August 29, 2020

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Government has issued a notice to announce Samoa has extended its COVID-19 State of Emergency status for another month, to the 27th of September 2020.

Current state of emergency orders has international borders temporarily closed to incoming passengers, however, travelers to New Zealand are still able to depart each Friday on a returning cargo only flight.

Borders are open to shipping lines and cargo vessels under strict quarantine measures.

SOE orders have been in place since March 21st and was due end 31 August 2020.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says Samoa can expect a prolonged SOE period with New Zealand now battling to contain its second wave of COVID-19.

Samoa’s SOE orders have been criticised for imposing some restrictions unrelated to crowd avoidance such as the prohibition on Sunday trading and rules relating to business opening hours and roadside stalls.

The notice in verbatim:

SOE EXTENDED TO 27th SEPTEMBER 2020

(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT 28th SEPTEMBER 2020); The Head of State, le Ao Mamalu o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Su’alauvi II after consultation with Cabinet this evening authorized the State of Emergency orders to be extended from August 31st 2020 to September 27th 2020.

FAAUAU LE POLOAIGA COVID 19 ile Aso 27 Setema 2020.

(OFISA O LE SO’OUPU 28 Setema 2020); Ua fa’aauauina o le Poloaiga mo Faalavelave Tutupu Faafuasei mo le Faama’i o le COVID19

e amata faamamaluina i le Aso 31 Aokuso 2020 seia o’o atu i le Aso 27 Setema 2020.

O lea faaiuga na faasavalia ona o lona tulaga faanatinati ma i lona iloiloina na faamaonia ai e Afioga Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Su’alauvi II ile afiafi nei.

O lenei faaiuga na faia i lona tulaga faanatinati e tusa ai ma le Vaega 38(1)© o le Faavae o le Malo Tutoatasi o Samoa.