Samoa extends State of Emergency

Samoa has extended its State of Emergency to 27 September.

It was due to end on Monday but the extension was announced by the government over the weekend.

Last week the government suspended all international flights and cancelled a repatriation flight from Auckland due to the resurgence of Covid-19 cases there.

Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said he feared the practice of congregating in large numbers would likely see the coronavirus brought to Samoa.

The State of Emergency orders included the continued ban on Sunday trading and sailing between the Upolu and Savaii islands.

Meanwhile police have led a major enforcement drive to make sure churches were abiding by the orders’ restrictions on gatherings.

Some churchgoers were physically removed when numbers were more than the 100 allowed.

(Source: Radio NZ 30th August 2020)
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/424761/samoa-extends-state-of-emergency