The Samoa government has announced it is extending the state of emergency orders on the coronavirus pandemic, effectively pushing the restrictions into its eighth month.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sai'lele Malielegaoi, made the announcement during his weekly TV3Samoa briefing yesterday but did not say if any of the conditions had been changed.
The Head of State has signed into law the extension for the SOE commencing from 27th October 2020 to 22nd November 2020.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sai'lele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Since the start of restrictions, travel restrictions have been eased to allow repatriation flights from Australia, and the US which are due to start at the end of November with a direct flight out of Los Angeles.
Samoans stranded in some European countries have been told to make their way to the US to board the flight.
There have also been an easing on restrictions to public gatherings, especially the numbers allowed to attend church services, funerals and weddings but accepted social distancing is still enforced.
Changes have also been made to quarantine conditions and people have been allowed to self-quarantine at home but under strict medical and security restrictions.
The next repatriation flight into Samoa will arrive tomorrow, Friday 30, October.