The Government has lifted the ban on churches only having one service on Sunday.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, during his programme 2AP following a Cabinet meeting.

“The number of church services on Sabbath day has been reopened," Tuilaepa said. 

"Some congregations have about two to three services in one day as they have a 6am to 7am service and a English service for the 9am to 10am, apart from their evening service.

“But remember that we are talking about the congregations; we’re not talking about large gatherings (so’o, mafutaga tuufaatasi), that is still prohibited. Meaning, only congregations which may have about two to three services done in one day is permitted.”

It is unclear whether or not the social distancing of two meters may still be observed under the new changes.

Amongst the changes made during the Cabinet meeting this week includes the permitting of food vendors to operate again, under strict conditions, said the P.M.

Samoa has been under a State of Emergency since 22 March 2020. As restrictions within the country start to ease up, it is still unknown when Cabinet may open up Samoa's international borders again.