(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT); The Government through the Disaster Advisory Committee (DAC) has reminded the Public that gatherings at the airport is strictly prohibited under the COVID-19 State of Emergency (SOE) Orders. This was during a National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) Press Conference where the DAC Chairman Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo raised concerns on members of the public gathering at the Faleolo International Airport on flight days to see off families and friends.
Ahead of every repatriation flight week, the NEOC issues a Public Notice reminding the general public that access to all COVID-19 Quarantine sites is strictly prohibited as well as all people are prohibited from gathering at Airports or Wharves unless it is for permitted travel.
The Chairman confirmed that the Ministry of Police will continue to regulate the access at the International Airport as well as at the wharf at Matautu.
At this time, Samoa remains at Level 1 (Yellow) and the State of Emergency Orders continue to encourage social and physical distancing as well as basic hygiene and wearing facial masks in public places.
Agafili continued on by saying that the above processes have been put in place to maximize protection of the public from potential exposure. He urged the public’s understanding and continuous support in keeping Samoa safe during these trying times.
State of Emergency Order on Public Gatherings at airports states that:
- All people are prohibited from gathering at airports or wharves unless it is permitted for travel
Penalties for breaching the above SOE Orders are as follows:
- Individual – $200 (first offence) and $500 for a continuous offence
- Organization or Corporation or similar such legal entity – $5,000 for a first offence, and a fine of $7,000 for a continuous offence.
To view the latest full SOE Orders and penalties, visit the Novel Coronavirus webpage on the Government of Samoa website: https://www.samoagovt.ws/category/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
For SOE related information contact the National Emergency Operation Centre on 997/32759 and for Health related information contact the Ministry of Health on 8006440
—ENDS—
