Samoa Remains under Level 2 with Restrictions Lifted to Extend Opening Hours and Allow Gaming, Sports, Alcohol and Bars

Samoa will continue under Level 2 for a further 2 weeks from midnight tonight, however, there are several lifted restrictions including extended opening hours, the sale of alcohol, gaming, sports and recreation.

Prime Minster Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa confirmed Cabinet’s decision to continue Alert Level 2 with relaxed SOE rules in a special announcement this afternoon.

Schools remain closed, however, the following orders have been amended:

Business hours including shops extended from 6am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday. Sunday trading is back from 12pm to 8pm.

Additionally, opening hours will be from 6am to 8pm after which a curfew will be in place from 10pm until 6am following day”.

The sale of alcohol is open in hotels, bars, restaurants and shops that are licensed to do so, within the opening hours, unless otherwise stipulated by the liquor board.

Public gatherings are now open to 50 people for indoors settings, and 100 people for outdoor events.

Gaming is back, and related activities such as bingo to be limited to 50 people and in compliance of all security safety measures, and within the set opening hours of 6am to 8pm.

Opening of all sports and recreational activities, but within the limit of public numbers and in compliance with all health related measures.

Swimming is permitted at beaches and rivers, also during hours stipulated.

Schools will remain closed with learning and teaching to continue using the current platforms and arrangements.

Children under 12 years old are not allow in public places.

Allowing of public transport and inter-island ferry services under strict observance of social distancing and health related protection measures.

The public service to return to normal working hours, with strict observance of health protection measures.

Business owners and organisers of any public gathering are responsible for insuring compliance, social distancing, wearing face masks and other related protection arrangements.

The announcement comes as Samoa registers over six thousand community cases with a rolling average of around 200 per day and many also reprted to have recovered since the outbreak on 17 March 2022. There are 13 recorded deaths and as of last Saturday the MOH reported 4 cases in ICU.

The Prime Minister offered condolences to the families of those who have passed away from covid-related complications.

“Our condolences go out to the families of all those whose lives have been lost in their battle of Covid.”

“We continue to strongly encourage our country to complete vaccinations, wear face masks, practice social distancing and minimize public gatherings..

“Above all we continue to put all our trust in God to lead our journey through these difficult times,” concluded the Prime Minister.