Travellers to Samoa will pay for their quarantine costs.

The NEOC Chairman Agafili Shem Leo said that the cabinet approved the new plans. Currently the government has been paying for the cost of accomodation, breakfast and lunch in MIQ for passengers. This has so far cost almost $19 million tala since the start of repatriation flights, a cost that also includes cost of security services, transportation and associated costs.

Agafili said the average cost to repatriate and quarantine one person for 21 days is between $3000 and $5000 tala.

Returning scholarship students and patients on the government medical treatment scheme will be funded by the government.

The minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo Ale, recently noted that despite the substantial cost to the government, the upside to all this is it stimulating the economy.

She said the money is staying in Samoa through payments for all local services which have an economic effect on hotels and other services which keep people employed.

Agafili said the money is staying in Samoa through payment for all locals services which have an economic effect on hotels and other services which keep people employed.

A total of nine return flights have been approved until March 2022.

SOURCE: RNZ