The Samoa Bureau of Statistics (S.B.S.) has announced the closure of its Savai'i branch as well as new opening hours for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Office.

The new business hours were brought in due to the state of emergency (S.O.E.) orders endorsed and declared by the Cabinet last Friday.

Starting Tuesday, March 24, the Division for Births, Deaths and Marriages in Apia will be opened from 10am-2pm until further notice.

In a notice signed by the Government Statistician, Ali'imuamua MalaefonoTaua-Faasalaina, the Office advises the public to contact telephone 32984 or 7596903 or send an email to Faaolatane at [email protected] for consultations and appointments regarding the above matters.

S.O.E. orders issued by Government include a national prayer week from 22 March to 29, shutting down international travel except for returning Samoan citizens (who will require negative coronavirus tests five days before travelling), and a ban of gatherings of five people or more.

Also, public servants working in non-essential services will have their working hours reduced.