Samoa shifts back to Alert Level1

Samoa will move back to alert level 1 from 6pm tonight-Friday.

Samoa has been at alert level 2 since 28 January 2022, after 30 covid cases.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa announced the move down alert levels in Samoa on Friday afternoon, which she said “reflects the incredible work on part of all Samoa over the past week”.

There are few restrictions at alert level 1, however it will continue to be mandatory to use face masks on public transport and public places across the country for the time being,Fiame announced.

The order will be kept under review as vaccines are being rolled out.

Life at level 1 is as close to normal as Samoans have known since Covid-19 reared its head almost exactly a year ago.

People can travel, go to work and school as normal, and there is no cap on mass gatherings.

People are encouraged by Samoa Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to record where they have been and who they have been by using the Samoa Covid Tracer App.

-Public gatherings in most places accessible by the public are permitted and the public are required to observe safety rules as advised by the Ministry of Health or the National Emergency Operation Centre from time to time.

-Swimming at beaches and rivers is permitted.

-All people are prohibited from gathering at airports or wharves unless it is permitted for travel.

- buses may continue normal operation and no bus service is to operate on Sunday.

- ferry services are on Monday to Sunday, operating the normal schedules.

-the markets at Savalalo, Fugalei, Salelologa, Vaitele, Taufusi and Afega, and all other flea markets, fish market or any market which the public have access to, are permitted to open from Monday to Saturday, from 6.00am - 8.00pm and no person is to sleep overnight at any marketplace

-Fish markets will open from 4am to 9am on Sunday.

- For supermarkets and small shops, from Monday- Saturday, the opening hours are from 6.00am -I 0.00pm; and for Sunday, the opening hours are from 12.00pm-10.00pm.

-Petrol stations from 12.00pm-10.00pm; and Pharmacies which may operate from 12.00pm - 10.00pm on Sunday.

-Hotel bars may open from Monday to Saturday from 6.00am to 12.00am and must close on Sundays;

-Restaurants are opened: for dining and take away from 6.00am to 12.00Am from Monday to Saturday; and for Sunday from 12noon to 10.00pm for dining in or take away.

-The selling of goods by street vendors in Apia is permitted, but on the following conditions: Children under the age of 16 years selling goods in public is strictly prohibited.

-The selling of alcohol by any shop (whether supermarket or small shop) and in hotels from Mondays to Saturdays from 6:00am to 12:00Am.

-Bars and Clubs from Mon to Saturday, the opening hours from 6.00am to 12.00am.