Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mataafa has made a special announcement this evening regarding the status of Samoa in light of COVID-19 cases discovered at the border.
Earlier this week 10 passengers who arrived on a flight from Australia on Wednesday January 19 tested positive for COVID-19 while in managed isolation. This morning 5 more confirmed COVID-19 cases have been identified bringing the total to 15 cases. All are currently in quarantine.
Prime Minister Fiame says the elevation for Samoa has moved to Alert Level 3 which is Red or high risk.
She declared a nationwide lockdown that will be enforced for Samoa from today as of 6pm Saturday 22 January 2022 until 6pm Monday 24 Jan 2022.
Prime Minister Fiame says the lockdown will require everyone to stay at home except for authorised essential workers who will provide crucial and necessary services. Only authorised vehicles will be allowed on the roads during the lockdown period.
All other activities such as work, schools, restaurants, bars, churches will be closed. The Prime Minister says Cabinet will monitor the situation closely over the next few days.
The Prime Minister urged the people of Samoa to stay safe in their homes.
Image credit: Government of Samoa / Facebook