Returning Samoans be prepared,-PM warns
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By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
All Samoa nationals and residents returning from overseas will be required to the 14 Day mandatory quarantine.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi issued the reminder as he confirmed the arrival of three Air New Zealand flights approved by Cabinet for repatriation purposes and to bring in medical supplies.
The first flight scheduled to arrive on May 19th is rescheduled to touch down at Faleolo International Airport on May 22nd.
“We are looking at 150 passengers to be on this flight, but there are about 900 people wishing to return to Samoa,” said the Prime Minister…
“The priority will be for returning residents who already paid return airfares from Samoa –New Zealand-Samoa, and whose visitor’s visas have expired, and should return home.
“That’s why the Government has allowed the flights from New Zealand to bring our people home, but make no mistake the strict restrictions according to our State of Emergency Order will be followed.”
Aside from the 14 Day Quarantine period upon arrival in Samoa, the Prime Minister reiterated that no returning Samoan resident will be allowed to board the plane unless they have met the requirements for a COVID 19 Medical Checkup and clearance three days before departure.
“All passengers travelling from New Zealand to Samoa on this flight should each undergo a medical check to make sure they are not infected with the COVID 19 virus,” he reiterated.
“When these passengers arrive, they will be quarantined for 14 days in isolation.
“Which means, there are prevention processes that should be taken in New Zealand, and when they arrive in Samoa, they will also undergo our prevention processes.”
The Prime Minister is also mindful of travelers booked on Samoa Airways and advises that they pay Air New Zealand for their return fares and can refund their Samoa Airways fares once they arrive home.
“For our people who will not be on this flight, be patient. The Government is closely monitoring this first flight, to make sure all the passengers are clear of the virus after the 14 days quarantine stage. The decision for another flight from New Zealand will depend on the outcome of this.
“We play safe and we really need to be cautious and be patient.”
Extremely important to Samoa, the Prime Minister’s urged is for travelers who have symptoms of the virus or even have contracted COVID-19 not to return to Samoa.
“If you know that you have the COVID 19 and if you know that you are sick, don’t come on this flight.’
“At this time of the pandemic, Government is prioritizing the lives of 200,000 plus residents.”
And by putting the lives of all Samoan residents in danger, the Prime Minister warns for that person or persons to be prepared to face the wrath of an angry and vengeful nation of Samoans.
“That’s how serious this matter is to our people, and our Government is taking every step to make sure that the country remains safe and free from COVID 19.”
