Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa addressed the country late last night with a COVID-19 special announcement.
The announcement comes after cabinet was advised of a confirmed community case after an individual tested positive of COVID-19. It is understood the individual took a test yesterday afternoon as a prerequisite for departure from Samoa.
The Ministry of Health began their contact tracing last night, focusing on all places of interest based on this individual’s movements and all possible contacts. The individual is being isolated at Moto’otua isolation ward.
Prime Minister Mataafa declared the country would move into Alert Level 2 from midnight, Friday 18th March, until midnight tomorrow, Saturday 19th March 2022.
Under Alert Level 2, showing vaccination cards and wearing of facial masks are mandatory. All schools will be closed, as well as night clubs, bars, fitness centres and games. Other services will remain open.
From midnight Saturday, 19th March to midnight Tuesday, 22 March 2022 the country will move to Alert level 3 (Red), a nationwide lockdown.
Under Alert level 3, all schools will remain closed, including public gatherings, churches, and other services except for essential services.
The Prime Minister says the Ministry of Health will continue with its contact tracing and will provide all necessary health measures to contain a potential rapid community transmission.
Cabinet will assess the situation before the end of the nationwide lockdown and will advise the country accordingly.
