Samoa: Authorities extend state of emergency until August 2 /update 8

Event

The Samoan government extended the state of emergency introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic until August 2. The government also amended regulations on public gatherings, with meetings and church services now allowed to have up to 50 attendees so long as social distancing of 2m (6ft) is adhered to. Restaurants will also be permitted to operate on Sundays between 12:00 (local time) and 22:00 for take away services only. The government clarified that inter-island ferry services between Savaii and Upolu remain suspended until further notice.

The Samoan government has relaxed a number of restrictions brought in to limit the spread of COVID-19. Under the new regulations, some gatherings are permitted, with social distancing measures in place, and markets are allowed to reopen, although street vendors remain prohibited from selling on footpaths. Public transport, including bus and ferry services, also resumed a normal schedule apart from Sundays when no services will operate. Restaurants and entertainment venues have also been allowed to reopen at reduced capacity due to social distancing rules. A ban on most gatherings and public activities remains in place on Sundays.

Samoa has banned the entry of all non-citizens and non-residents to curb the spread of the virus. Samoan citizens and residents are required to undergo testing for COVID-19 within five days prior to re-entering the country. Flights have been suspended between Samoa and Australia, Tonga, Fiji, and American Samoa.

As of Monday, July 6, Samoa has not confirmed any cases of COVID-19. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.